The Best Low Cost Home Improvements to Make Before Selling

If you are looking to sell your home, it’s natural that you are wondering how to add to its resale value in today’s market but do so in a low-cost way.

In this guide, we’ll provide you, the homeowner, with some tips on upgrades that could help make an excellent first impression on the buyers. And it’s needless to point out what a big impact it will have on the home value.

Of course, the main goal is choosing those investments that can be completed without putting in a lot of money or time. All of the things we will suggest are low-cost home renovations that will bring you a profit.

So, here goes the list of the best low-cost home improvement projects to make before selling your home projects that buyers will appreciate.

The Best Low-Cost Home Improvements & Projects to Make Before Selling Your House

#1 – Upgrade Outdoor Structures

You want potential buyers to think “This is it!” to themselves even before they step through the front door into the house.

Thus, you should make sure that your windows, front door and yard look presentable.

If the windows are too drafty, have a cracked frame, or don’t let enough sunlight in, it could be a major deal breaker for many buyers. No matter how good the lighting is, natural light in homes is one of the top factors that buyers consider.

So, by replacing the windows, the whole house will be revitalized after this investment.

As for the front door, make sure that it is sturdy and secure. Applying a fresh coat of paint is a good idea if the door is wooden. If you have a glass door, this could also add some value to the home because it’s an additional entrance for the light. However, make sure there are no smudges on the glass.

Also, pay attention to any outdoor structures that may look rundown: garage door, mailbox, gazebo, fence, etc.

#2 – Pay Attention to Landscaping, Too

Another thing buyers will surely notice as soon as they arrive is landscaping.

Attractive landscaping is inviting; it evokes excitement about buying the property in buyers.

Some landscaping updates you can get while prepping your home for sale include:

• Adding a beautiful display of seasonal flowering shrubs
• While at it, remove any dead annual plants and perform a thorough yard cleanup
• Tidy up evergreens
• Giving your lawn a once-over with the rake will help get rid of any twigs and dead leaves
• Planting a couple of deciduous trees is inexpensive and yet will add to the home value. Good ideas are the Red Oak and Crabapple, for example. Or – if you don’t have a lot of room in your backyard – the Crepe Myrtle and Red Pygmy Dogwood are both under 20 feet tall and look amazing.

If you are not too keen on the idea of doing these yourself, you can always hire a landscaper who will carry them out for you, and it won’t cost a lot.

All of these minor investments will add to the curb appeal. It might seem irrelevant – but check out this piece of info: In 2018, the National Association of Realtors carried out a survey that indicates that more than 70% of buyers pay attention to the curb appeal.

Your garden is the backbone of your property; so consider renovating it for a good start to the selling process.

#3 – Consider Flooring & Roof Upgrades

Flooring is a major investment you should make if you wish to drive the value of your house up, but it may cost a lot. It’s vital to go about it wisely.

The effect you will want to achieve is a seamless transition of flooring between the rooms. Wood is an unparalleled option, but faux wood is good if you want to stay on the budget.

You’ll find that flooring stores in outlet centers sometimes have bargains. But if money is the problem, an alternative is to upgrade the carpeting. Stained carpeting is a big no-no. Adding rugs underneath the furniture also makes for a cleaner appearance.

Replacing a roof is quite an investment, but it’s necessary if it’s damaged.

That’s why you should determine the extent of the damage of your roof. If there’s no need for obvious and massive repairs – rather just some tweaks like fixing small holes – it shouldn’t set you back.

#4 – Add a Coat of Paint

A coat of paint is what will give your house the necessary refresh.

The walls are amongst the first things buyers will notice when they enter the home, and what will probably leave the biggest impression on them.

Paint in a neutral color is cost-effective, and our experience tells us that it adds to the appeal. White paint is always a great choice since many home buyers prefer a “clean” look and white is the perfect neutral color.

Pro tip: Avoid wallpapers and bright colors. It might look cool and trendy, but it does not appeal to every buyer. And it certainly isn’t low cost, either!

#4 – Go Down the Smart Technology Path

Another way of increasing the value of your home is by implementing smart home technology.

For example, buyers love to see a smart lighting system and a security camera.

However, installing a whole CCTV system may be costly.

So, here are other ideas for smart home upgrades to increase the cost of your home without requiring much money:

• Video doorbells
• Smart thermostats
• A smart lamp or light bulbs with a voice control
• Bluetooth speakers
• Smart plugs
• Sprinkler controllers, etc.

These shouldn’t be the priority of your remodeling project, but adding a few may make a huge difference. Details matter, don’t you agree?

#5 – Energy Efficiency

Buyers are looking to purchase homes that will prove to be great investments in the long run.

Just like the sellers – they want to get a good money-to-value ratio for sale. And energy efficiency is a key to it.

Energy-efficient fixtures, such as lighting, are excellent home improvements to make.

The energy-efficient appliances your home should have are primarily:

• Refrigerators
• Air purifiers
• Heat pumps
• Ceiling fans
• Clothes washers and dishwashers

It’s smart not to remove the Energy Star certifications from your most efficient appliances. In that way, you’ll make sure that the buyers will acknowledge them.

While solar panels are a good investment, if you are planning to put your house on the market any time soon, it might be best to add them to the list of investments for your new home instead.

Low-Cost Updates for Rooms

#1 – Bathroom

A buyer will definitely want to have a look into the state of your bathroom.

Bathroom remodels are known to boost sales and bring up the cost of homes. But the remodeling bathroom project need not be expensive with a few tips.

First, install new, standard fixtures for the sinks and the tub. Ensure that everything is pedant and clean the countertops.

Lighting up the mirrors is one of the excellent master bathroom updates that don’t cost a lot.

Another idea is to make more space by adding stylish bathroom storage. Open shelving is preferred to classic closed shelves.

#2 – Kitchen

Kitchen renovations to increase your home’s value range from outdated fixtures to small repairs and tweaks.

For instance, sellers can refresh their kitchen sink as it is one of the focal points buyers will check. Also, it shouldn’t be leaky or dripping.

Decorative light fixtures above the counters or inside the cabinets are also great for the kitchen.

#3 – Living Room

Chances are that the living room is where potential buyers will be spending the most time in case they purchase the home.

Affordable ways to create a cozier atmosphere include:

• Rustic light fixture
• Outlet wall plates covered in chrome or bronze
• Place tall potted plants in the empty corners
• Warm with some natural wood highlights
• Toss throw blankets or pillows over your sofa or armchair
• Add bookshelves and books

These can transform the room and add to that cuddled-up vibe that attracts the buyers.

#4 – Dining Room

There isn’t much that you can do in the dining room to significantly increase the cost of your home.

Everything is, obviously, centered around the table and the chairs.

Small details like new table linens or a large vessel with fresh fruit in the center are a good trick.

Also, if the chairs are worn-out, revamp their looks and give them a new lease of life.

#5 – Bedroom

The bedroom ROI improvements are quite simple to make.

Sometimes, just the repositioning of the bed will do. If you have a large room, there’s no need for it to lean against the wall.

Artwork on the walls is especially important here. Also, make sure that frames are neat and similar (ideally, the same).

P.S. Cable management doesn’t take much time, and yet it makes your room look much neater.

Final Step: Selling Your House

So, you have made some of these home improvements; what now? How to go about the sale process itself?

What Else Impacts Home Price

Home improvements are just a portion of the value of your home.

Here are some additional factors that will affect the selling price:

• Neighborhood
• Nearby features
• Size
• Usable space
• The rates on the local market
• Interest rates
• Age of the home
• Condition

The Best Way to To Sell Your Home

And now to the million-dollar question that sellers often ask:

Real Estate Agent or Not?

What is a better option for selling your home – hiring real estate professionals or doing it yourself, also known as FSBO (For Sale By Owner)?

Although using realtor services comes with a price tag attached to it, real estate agents know how to find the right buyer.

Thankfully, there is an alternative to those real estate agencies that are only wasting your money and nerves.

Move On Cash House Buyers

Selling your home is 100% stress-free with Move On Cash home buyers.

The best part is – you can put your home on sale even if you haven’t done any renovations mentioned above, and we’ll give you a fair cash offer in no time. This is really the best low-cost way to sell your house.

Benefits You Get

• You avoid long waiting time
• You will receive cash within days
• The whole process is transparent
• You get to choose your closing date
• We will buy your house as-is.

Why is It Faster?

This real estate solution is faster because we give you a fair all-cash offer without the need for any hassle usually associated with it – bank loans, a load of paperwork, and excessive stress.

With us, you can get your offer within 24 hours and finish with the whole process within a week!

Where to Start?

Just give us a call, and our professionals will come and assess the value of your property.

Then, we will give you a fair cash offer in just a day.

There’s no obligation on your part. If you are satisfied with our offer, you’ve got yourself a cash buyer for your home right away!

To Sum It Up

Now you know where to start with your remodeling project and repairs to increase your home value.

All these low-cost renovations and ROI updates will attract buyers.

If you are looking to sell your home for more money and do it fast, the best option is to consider a company that operates independently from real estate agents.

At Move On Cash home buyers, we’ll provide you with the most competitive offers on the market for your home. What’s more, you’ll get a quick cash offer within 24 hours. Our mission is to sell your home fast for the amount that you expect.

For any further questions, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll gladly assist you!