11 Low-Cost Home Improvements to Make Before You Sell Your Home
Are you considering selling your home in the near future?
If so, there are a few home improvements you can make to increase its value.
In this blog post, we will discuss 11 low-cost home improvements that can help you get the most for your property.
Keep in mind that not all of these home improvements are necessary; pick and choose the ones that will work best for your home and budget.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
#1 – Do A Deep Clean
When you’re selling your house, first impressions are everything.
You want potential buyers to walk in and see a clean, well-maintained home that they can imagine themselves living in.
Unfortunately, many houses on the market don’t meet this standard.
Whether it’s because the owners are too busy or don’t have the budget for a professional cleaning service, the result is the same: a house that doesn’t make a good impression.
Deep cleaning your house before putting it on the market is one of the best ways to ensure that you get top dollar for your home.
Even if you’re not normally a tidy person, taking the time to do a deep clean will make a world of difference.
Not only will your house look better, but it will also smell fresher and feel more inviting.
Potential buyers will be able to see themselves living in your house, and they’ll be willing to pay more for the privilege.
So what exactly does deep cleaning entail?
In general, it’s anything that you wouldn’t normally do as part of your weekly cleaning routine.
This might include shampooing carpets, washing walls, cleaning out cabinets, and decluttering closets.
Basically, you want to leave potential buyers with the impression that your house is move-in ready.
If you don’t have the time or energy to deep clean your house yourself, you can always hire a professional cleaning service.
The cost will be worth it when you see the offers rolling in!
#2 – Small Kitchen Upgrades
One area that is often overlooked is the kitchen.
With a few simple upgrades, you can give the heart of your home a fresh look that will appeal to buyers.
And best of all, these updates don’t have to break the bank.
One way to give your kitchen an updated look is to replace outdated hardware.
This includes things like cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and light fixtures.
You can find new hardware at any home improvement store, and it’s relatively easy to install yourself.
Another inexpensive update is to repaint the cabinets.
If the cabinets are in good condition but just look dated, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way toward giving your kitchen a more modern look.
Finally, consider replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models.
Not only will this make your kitchen more attractive to potential buyers, but it could also save you money on your utilities in the meantime.
#3 – Add Some New Color With Paint
A fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference, making your home more inviting and appealing to potential buyers.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing paint for your home.
First, consider the overall style of your home.
If you have a more traditional-style home, you will want to stick with neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
However, if your home has a more modern feel, you can be more creative with your color choices.
Another thing to keep in mind is the condition of your walls.
If your walls are in good condition, you can simply apply a new coat of paint in the same color.
However, if there are some areas that need to be repaired, such as cracked plaster or peeling paint, it is best to repair these areas before painting.
By taking the time to update the paint in your home, you will be able to maximize its value and appeal to potential buyers.
#4 – Increase Your Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is the first impression potential buyers will have of your home, so it’s important to make sure it looks its best.
There are a number of easy and relatively cheap ways to give your home’s curb appeal a boost.
One way is to power wash the exterior, which will remove any dirt or grime that has built up over time.
Another way to improve curb appeal is to update your front door.
This can be as simple as painting it a new color or replacing hardware like the doorknob and knocker.
Finally, don’t forget about your landscaping.
Trimming hedges, pulling weeds, and adding fresh mulch will all help give your home’s exterior a neat and well- cared-for look.
#5 – Update Light Fixtures
One area that is often overlooked is the lighting fixtures.
Outdated or damaged light fixtures can give the impression that the rest of the house is out of date as well.
Fortunately, there are a number of low-cost ways to update the light fixtures in your home.
For example, replacing an old chandelier with a new one can be a simple and effective way to brighten up a room.
Consider replacing your traditional light bulbs with LED bulbs.
LED bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, which can lower your energy bills and make your home more efficient.
In addition, LED bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs, so you won’t have to replace them as often.
Replacing your light bulbs is a quick and easy way to add value to your home before putting it on the market.
#6 – Tidy Up Closets & Storage Spaces
Closets are one of the first places potential buyers will look, and if they see cluttered, disorganized spaces, they may get the impression that the rest of the house is also in need of some attention.
To make a good impression, take some time to declutter your closets and organize them in a way that makes it easy for buyers to visualize how they could be used.
For example, if you have a catch-all closet that currently houses everything from cleaning supplies to out-of-season clothing, try investing in some shelving units or storage containers to create distinct storage areas.
This will not only make your closets look more appealing, but it will also give buyers a better sense of the available space.
#7 – Update Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets
When you’re getting ready to sell your house, it’s important to make sure that all of the fixtures are in good condition.
This includes your kitchen and bathroom faucets. Outdated or damaged faucets can be a turnoff for potential buyers, so it’s always a good idea to update them before putting your house on the market.
Luckily, there are plenty of stylish and affordable options available, so you should be able to find something that fits your budget.
Just make sure to choose a style that will appeal to a broad range of buyers.
With new faucets in place, your house will be one step closer to being ready for sale.
#8 – Clean The Carpets
One of the things you’ll need to do before putting up your house for sale is clean your carpets.
This may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually not that difficult – and it’s well worth the effort since clean carpets can help to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
There are a few different methods you can use to clean your carpets, but the most important thing is to be thorough.
Vacuum the carpets thoroughly, using an attachment if necessary to get into corners and crevices.
Then, use a carpet shampooer or steam cleaner to deep-clean the carpets.
If possible, hire a professional carpet cleaner – they have the experience and equipment to get your carpets looking their best.
They can cost around $0.25 per square foot of carpet or charge anywhere between $25 to $70 per room.
With a little time and effort, you can make sure your carpets are clean and ready for showings.
#9 – Add Some Exterior Greenery
There are a number of simple landscaping upgrades you can do to increase its curb appeal and boost its value.
One of the most important things potential buyers will notice is the condition of your lawn.
If your lawn is patchy or has bare spots, now is the time to seed or sod it.
You should also make sure to keep the grass trimmed and edges well-groomed.
In addition, carefully prune any shrubs or trees that are overgrown.
Flowers and other plantings can add a splash of color and vibrance to your yard, so be sure to plant some annuals or perennials that will bloom around the time of your sale.
Finally, don’t forget about basic upkeep like sweeping sidewalks and patios to give your home a well-kept feel.
#10 – Refinish Old Bathtubs
Although many homeowners put off bathtub refinishing due to the cost, the truth is that it is a relatively inexpensive way to improve the value of your home.
According to HomeAdvisor, “Refinishing a bathtub costs $479 on average, with a typical range of $335 and $629. This includes $30 to $150 in materials and $200 to $500 in labor.”
If you are planning on selling your house, refinishing your bathtub is a great way to add some extra value.
The cost of refinishing will vary depending on the size and condition of your bathtub, but it is generally much less expensive than replacing the entire fixture.
In addition, refinishing can be done in just a few hours, meaning that you won’t have to deal with the hassle of a lengthy renovation project.
Whether you’re looking to add value to your home or simply want to give your bathroom a fresh new look, bathtub refinishing is an excellent option.
#11 – Install Energy Efficient Appliances
As any homeowner knows, making energy-efficient improvements to your home can be a great way to save money on your utility bills.
But did you know that these same improvements can also increase the value of your home?
If you’re thinking of selling your house, upgrading to low-cost, energy-efficient appliances is a great way to boost your asking price.
Not only will buyers be impressed by your commitment to saving energy, but they’ll also appreciate the lower monthly costs associated with running these appliances.
And with the federal government offering tax credits for many energy-efficient upgrades, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.
So before you put your house on the market, consider investing in some low-cost, energy-efficient appliances – it could end up being a very profitable decision.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re looking to sell your home in the near future without having to make improvements to your home, our team here at HomeBeacon can help!
We can help make all the difference in selling your house fast – and for a good price.
Have you made any of these changes before putting your house on the market?
Ronaldo Stewart is a seasoned real estate professional with three years of experience in helping people sell their homes and has established himself as a trusted and knowledgeable resource in the real estate community.