Easy Home Improvements That Make a Difference

When it's time to sell your home should be looking its absolute best. These days, as the market turns towards buyers, this is even more important. There are easy home improvements you can make that aren't expensive and will make a difference in the eyes of buyers.

Paint

New paint is one of the easiest improvements to make. While there is a big difference between a professional and amateur job, part of that is related to how fast a job gets done. Even if you are not an expert painter, you have time on your side. A professional crew will take less time and do a great job but you can take your time, do-it-yourself and add value to your home.

First get yourself an inexpensive “how-to” book from a hardware store or borrow one from the local library. Read through, mark tips and processes you’ll be using with a post-it and keep it handy when you start painting.

Using that knowledge, look for rooms in your home that could use a fresh coat. A light, neutral tone paint does wonders to an interior space brightening it up and making it fresh. Paint any room you think could use a little face lift or a helping hand out of the dark ages. Be sure to caulk cracks between trim and walls and fill any holes before painting. This will help you get a professional looking result.

If your kitchen needs some help think about painting the cabinets. Taking an old, dark brown stain out of the picture and replacing it with a fresh, light color is an easy way to give this room an instant face lift.

Same ideas can be applied to the exterior of your home. You may or may not need a complete repaint on the outside. If the paint is peeling off and looks neglected, consider this a serious detraction from curb appeal. If the paint is OK, consider repainting trim and doors. Updating even just these elements can help a home look sharp and well maintained.

Replace lighting

Like paint, lighting offers an easy, inexpensive way to brighten your home’s interior. Fixtures today are nominal in cost and come in wide varieties that appeal to many tastes. Replace old light fixtures throughout the house to bring an updated and more inviting tone to interior spaces. You may have to hire an electrician if you don’t feel comfortable installing these yourself. First, consider that you may be capable of the job or know a handy person who would be willing to install the new fixtures. It takes some know-how but is well within the capabilities of many homeowners. Just be sure to follow all the steps in order.

Carpet

Old carpet can ruin not only the look of your home but also hold unpleasant smells. If your home’s carpet is beyond its lifetime, consider replacing it. New carpets are available in a wide range of prices and you can find deals on remnants. Check around with different carpet sellers to see if you can find a reasonably priced carpet. Ask about leftovers, some stores have special orders that were never used and can’t be returned.

Also check to see if you can save money by dealing with removal and disposal of old carpet yourself. This improvement will require a little investment but it will come back to you with a quicker sale.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.