8 affordable upgrades that may help you sell your home faster

Put your time and money into simple projects that will give your property more appeal.

A house that’s lived, laughed and loved with you is probably looking a little lackluster. It happens, even when it’s been well cared for. So when it’s time to sell your home to buy another, it may be worth sprucing your place up a bit to make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Where do you start? The key is to spend wisely, focusing on upgrades that will make your home stand out, without emptying your wallet. KSL Homes has your list of what to fix when selling a house.

1. Landscaping

Cost: $100-$300

The importance of curb appeal can’t be overstated. The front of your home is the first thing people see, and the first place they start forming an opinion about your property. Make sure your lawn is neatly mowed, the bushes are trimmed and the flower beds are weed free. It’s worth spending a few dollars on colorful flowers to brighten up your yard, and maybe even distract from not so great areas. Add some fresh mulch so it looks well manicured. Patch any dead spots in your lawn, too. And if you don’t have much yard? Put some fresh blooms in a pot on the front step.

Make a good first impression with a freshly painted front door.

2. Paint the front door

Cost: $20-$35

The second thing home buyers will notice is your front door. If the paint is chipping or fading, your home will automatically look older. Give your portal a primping with a new coat of paint. Bold colors such as black, dark gray, brown or slate blue are considered good neutrals. You’ll spend less than 50 bucks for the project, but it could boost your sales price by thousands. If your hardware is in bad shape — a dented doorknob, for example — consider replacing it as well. If your garage door needs a bit of brightening, add that to your list of paint projects.

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If your walls could use a refresh, paint them with a neutral color.

3. Paint the walls

Cost: $150-$300 per room

Tired walls instantly look new with a fresh coat of paint. Best of all, it’s easy to do yourself. All you need is a paint roller, a plastic tarp and a can of paint — and a free afternoon. Real estate agents recommend using neutral colors such as creamy whites and grays. You don’t need to paint the entire house, unless it really needs it. Instead, focus on the most important rooms to buyers: the kitchen and owner's suite. For other rooms, just make sure the doorjambs and light switches are free of dirty fingerprints.

4. Repair cabinets

Cost: $15 per hinge

Trends in cabinets come and go, so it’s hard to say what will appeal to potential buyers. But one thing everyone wants? Cabinets that are in good condition. If you have sagging hinges, missing handles or damaged doors, now’s the time to fix them. Replace anything that doesn’t work properly. Be sure to give the doors a good cleaning, paying particular attention to fingerprints around knobs. People will probably peek into your cabinets when they look at your home, so you may want to declutter — and finally organize those spices.

New hardware instantly updates your kitchen.

5. Upgrade hardware

Cost: $2-$50 per handle

Did you purchase your house when ceramic knobs were a thing? Outdated handles on your cupboards can make your home look dated. Replace them with something classic. Black, bronze and stainless steel will subtly make your kitchen feel more interesting.

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6. Caulking

Cost: $3-$6 per linear foot 

Caulking along countertops and windows can shrink and discolor over time, making your home look older and unkempt. Even if your bathroom is otherwise immaculate, a trim of moldy or discolored caulking can turn buyers away. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix. You can find a tutorial on Youtube, or visit your local big box store for suggestions on the type of caulking to use for your particular job. And if you don’t feel confident enough to try it yourself, hire a handyman.

Replace cracked or discolored caulking.

7. Lights

Cost: $5-$100

If your living areas are sporting the fluorescent lights or heavy, ornate metalwork made popular a few decades ago, it’s time for an upgrade. But if your lighting is neutral enough, it’s fine to leave it as is. But you should make sure that there are working bulbs in every ceiling light and lamp. If your bulbs are dim, consider using higher lumens to brighten your space. You may want to consider upgrading to energy-efficient lighting if yours looks and feels outdated.

8. Smart home technology

Cost: $100-$500

Many newer homes have smart technology, from the thermostat to the refrigerator. You can help your older home feel more up-to-date with a few low-cost smart devices. Upgrade door locks or the doorbell, for example. It won’t cost too much, but it will make your home feel more modern.

Add some inexpensive smart devices to make your home feel more modern.

Focus on what buyer’s want most

You want the return on your investment to be worthwhile, which means you probably don’t want to put a lot of money into upgrades to sell your home. Don’t worry about revamping your entire property. Instead, choose projects that will have the most impact, focusing on the spaces that buyers care about most.

Ready to sell? List your house on KSL Homes, where everyday thousands of potential buyers can see your upgraded property. Search for your new home there, too! 

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