1. Paint, Paint and More Paint

Update the paint on your walls and maybe even your existing cabinets. Selecting fresh, modern colors that are still neutral will appeal to most all buyers. Bold colors are in style but they should be kept to a minimum as a feature or in a half bath. Make sure to also remove all dated wallpaper.

2. Declutter

This cannot be stressed enough. It’s more important than ever to declutter your home. A cluttered home is not easy to photograph and buyers are deciding which homes to visit based off these photos. A clean, organized home leaves a great first impression and gives buyers a better visual of how they could use the space themselves. Plus packing up your extra items gives you a jump start on packing!

3. New Appliances and Countertops

These updates are worth every penny. A set of new stainless steel appliances (all standard size) will start around $2,200. Updating to granite or quartz countertops is more costly. The decision to install stone countertops versus laminate should be based on the overall value of your home. Don’t forget about your bathroom countertops too! These updates will make a world of difference in the look and feel of your space.

4. New Light Fixtures and Hardware

Update these in both the kitchen and baths. These are all fairly quick updates and can be done by homeowners to save cost. Recently a client simply took his old brass hardware off the kitchen cabinetry and sprayed them with a matte black finish spray paint. They turned out beautifully and cost him less than $10.

5. Carpet and other Flooring

Nothing says fresh and move in ready like new carpet and flooring. Shop carefully, it’s easy to overspend in this area. You’ll want to keep in mind the overall value of your home before deciding on the material type.