Budget Home Updates

From HGTV FrontDoor Real Estate

I know we all have things we'd like to update in our homes. Here are a couple of tips to spruce up your house now that will help it sell later!

Create curb appeal.
First impressions are critical, especially in a competitive market. If half the homes in your neighborhood are boasting for-sale signs, curb appeal can give your property the edge -- so put a fresh coat of paint on your siding, re-stain your deck or power-wash your patio, and trim back any overgrown shrubs. And don't overlook your front door, which can be a make-or-break detail for would-be buyers. "It's the first thing people see when they pull up, so do they want to come in or not?" Matzke says. If your entryway is lackluster, consider investing in a mahogany door or a decorative-glass style.

Lighten up.
It only takes a few dollars to make your home feel infinitely more warm and welcoming. If you've got clutter, box it up and put it in storage. Replace your mood lighting with the max allowable wattage for your fixtures. Tear down faded or dated wallpaper, and grab a few gallons of paint to cover up blemishes or soften a bold color palette. (So long, mauve living room!) "Neutral, neutral, neutral," Matzke advises. "It sounds really boring, but most people are looking for a house they can move into right now."

Modernize for less.
Kitchens and baths are big-ticket items, but there's no need to plunk down thousands of dollars on a total overhaul. In these rooms, even minor upgrades -- such as new faucets or fresh lighting fixtures -- can reap major rewards, and a little elbow grease can go a long way. "Ripping out and replacing kitchen cabinets is great, but unless they're really horrid, it's probably better just to enamel them," Matzke says. You can also find bargains on newer appliances and plumbing hardware at sites like eBay or Craigslist. In the bathroom, replacing a tired vanity with a pedestal sink can instantly renew the decor and create more space, and outdated vinyl flooring can be replaced with inexpensive ceramic tile. Many big-box home stores offer options for around a dollar per square foot, so tiling a small room won't strain your wallet.