Homeowners thinking about selling have to do whatever they can to set their home apart from the others that are on the market.  The experts call it “staging”.  Even small changes can make a big impact on the length of time your home will be on the market, as well as how much you will sell it for.  Spending a minimal amount of money to make necessary changes will position your home to sell faster than the competition.

These interior fixes and suggestions will help you get the most out of your hard earned money when making improvements to your home, whether it’s to sell or just to upgrade a space that could use a remodel.

Flooring: One of the ways to make a major impact in a room that needs some TLC is to change the flooring, especially if it is outdated vinyl or old carpet.  A less expensive way of upgrading the flooring is to use a floating floor that you can install yourself instead of tile or stone.  This will bring the floor to the current style, and you will save money by installing it yourself instead of hiring someone.

If you are working with a small space, visit your local tile retailer and check their remnants section.  In many cases you are able to find great deals that keep you in within your budget.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint: The colors you have chosen to live with for the past few years may be outdated, dingy, or just too bright!  Buyers will be able to better visualize themselves living in the space with a clean, neutral color pallet throughout the home.  To find better prices for paint, start by checking the “sale” sections of home improvement stores in your area.  Paint that was mixed, then not purchased is usually sold for a reduced price.  It may not have been the right color for someone else, but it could be perfect for your budget remodel to sell your home!

Cabinetry: Updating the cabinetry in your home does not have to break the bank.  By painting the cabinetry and changing out the hardware, your kitchen or bathroom cabinetry can be completely transformed!

Countertops: Instead of replacing your entire countertop surface, a less expensive alternative would be to just replace sections that may need it.  For example, if your old countertop is only chipped on the edges or the backsplash, consider replacing just that area in a contrasting color.  Another alternative is to check out your local granite supplier, as many times they sell leftover slabs at a reduced cost.

When upgrading your home to put it on the market for sale, you must consider the return on your investment, and the area in which your home resides.  Do the other kitchens in homes for sale in your price range have granite countertops?  If yes, it may be worth your while to upgrade to granite.  If not, a cheaper countertop like laminate may be the best option for you.

Appliances: The appliances in your kitchen should match, at least in color.  Instead of buying a new stove because it’s white and the refrigerator and dishwasher are black, you can use high-heat spray paints made especially for appliances (and fireplaces).  This is only recommended if the appliance is in good working order.

Lighting: Any space is more inviting when it has the appropriate lighting.  Brighten up spaces like the kitchen with plug-in, under-cabinet lights.  If the lighting in the bathroom is outdated, look into replacing it with something more modern.   Sconces can be among the less expensive way of adding visual appeal and light to a room.

When potential buyers are viewing a home, decisions are made before they even walk through the front door, just based on the overall look of the exterior, the yard, and how well it has been maintained.  Upon entering the home, statistics show that a “staged” home will sell faster and typically for more money. 

Do you have any tips for low-cost home improvements?


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