When you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money fixing it up. You might be tempted to leave it as-is and let the buyer deal with it, but that could cost you big time.
Studies show that when homeowners take steps to improve their home’s appearance – even if those steps are small – they can see an increase in their home’s resale value.
So how can you make your home look its best without spending a fortune? Here are some tips for increasing your home’s resale value on a budget.
Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and it’s also one of the most important rooms when it comes to resale value. If your kitchen is dated or in need of repairs, buyers will be turned off. But you don’t need to gut the entire room to make it look better. Sometimes, small updates can make a big difference. You can find great drinks display cabinets that will make the space feel more classic. If your cabinets are in good condition but could use a facelift, consider painting or refinishing them. You can also replace hardware for a fresh look. If your countertops are worn or outdated, consider replacing them with a budget-friendly option like laminate. And if your floors are old and scuffed up, consider sanding and refinishing them yourself. With a little elbow grease, you can make your kitchen look like new – without spending a fortune.
Dining Room
The dining room is another important space when it comes to resale value. If you have an old, worn-out table and chairs, consider replacing them with something more modern. You don’t need to spend a lot of money – you can find great deals on furniture at second-hand stores or online. A fresh coat of paint can also brighten up the space and make it more inviting.
Neutral earthy tones like beige or taupe create an inviting atmosphere in the dining room, providing comfort and complementing a wide range of decor styles. If you want to create a sophisticated and modern look, gray is a versatile option. Consider the adjoining rooms and the overall color palette of your home when selecting a paint color for the dining room.
Living Room
When potential buyers walk into your home, the living room is one of the first places they’ll see. So you want to make sure it looks its best. If your furniture is old and outdated, consider replacing it. You can find great deals on furniture at second-hand stores or online. A fresh coat of paint can also brighten up the space and make it more inviting.
Choose a neutral color scheme for furniture, walls, and accessories to create a sense of freshness, brightness, and versatility and allow buyers to envision their belongings in space. Avoid bold or highly personalized color choices that may not appeal to everyone.
When it comes to furniture arrangement, maximize the space and flow of the room and ensure it promotes interaction and socializing. Avoid blocking natural pathways or obstructing the view of important features like windows or fireplaces. If your budget allows, consider updating outdated finishes such as flooring, window treatments, and hardware to significantly enhance the overall appeal of the living room.
Bedrooms
Your bedrooms should be a haven – a place where you can relax and unwind. If your bedroom furniture is old and outdated, consider replacing it. You can find great deals on furniture at second-hand stores or online. A fresh coat of paint can also help to brighten up the space and make it more inviting. And if your bedding is worn out, consider investing in new sheets and pillowcases. They’ll make a big difference in the look and feel of your bedroom – and they’re relatively inexpensive.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are another important area when it comes to resale value. If your bathroom is outdated or in need of repairs, buyers will be turned off. But you don’t need to gut the entire room to make it look better. Sometimes, small updates can make a big difference. You can find great deals on fixtures and hardware at second-hand stores or online. And if your floors are old and scuffed up, consider sanding and refinishing them yourself. With a little elbow grease, you can make your bathroom look like new – without spending a fortune.
Home Exterior and Landscaping
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see – so you want to make sure it looks its best. If your paint is faded or peeling, consider repainting your home. You can also pressure wash your siding and sidewalks to give them a fresh, clean look. And if your landscaping is overgrown or in need of repair, consider hiring a lawn care service to spruce it up. All of these things will help to increase your home’s curb appeal – and its resale value. Also, don't forget to tend to the little details like your mailbox and house numbers. A little TLC can go a long way when it comes to increasing your home’s resale value.
Upgrading important features of your home, including the front porch columns, can positively impact your property value. Your front porch is your home's extension, which also reflects your personal style. When updating this feature, you can choose from various materials, designs, and finishes to create a welcoming entrance that aligns with your vision. Learn more about how to update front porch columns here.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to increase your home’s resale value on a budget. By taking some time to make small updates and improvements, you can make your home more appealing to potential buyers – and increase its value. So if you’re thinking of selling your home, don’t wait. Get started on these projects today and you’ll be glad you did when it comes time to sell.
