Selling a home can take time, but boosting its value doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right improvements—no matter your budget—you can significantly increase your home’s appeal and resale price. Below are 30 proven home upgrades, organized by cost, that help maximize value.
Home Improvements Under $100
1. Spend an Hour With a Pro
Invite a real estate agent or interior designer to review your home.
Many agents do this for free, while designers typically charge under $100 per hour.
In a single session, you can get fresh ideas for paint colors, layouts, small repairs, and cosmetic upgrades that instantly enhance your home.
2. Get a Home Inspection
Not all value comes from cosmetic upgrades.
Hidden issues—like roof leaks, termites, or outdated wiring—can lower your home’s worth.
Pay a professional inspector to evaluate the parts of your home you don’t normally see.
Catching small problems early prevents expensive repairs later.
3. Paint, Paint, Paint
A fresh coat of paint remains one of the cheapest, most effective value boosters.
Choose neutral, modern colors to appeal to more buyers.
4. Find Inspiration
Skip the designer and gather ideas from home design magazines, websites, and TV shows.
Print or save your favorite looks and build a simple DIY project list based on your budget.
5. Cut Energy Costs
Your utility company may offer free home energy audits.
They identify ways to reduce monthly bills and improve efficiency—an attractive selling point for buyers.
Home Improvements: $100–$200
1. Plant a Tree
If you’re not selling today, plant shade trees that will grow over time.
Mature landscaping improves curb appeal and can reduce cooling costs by up to 40%.
2. Add Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Choose drought-tolerant or native plants that require little upkeep.
They look great and save water—both strong selling points.
3. Install a Water Filtration System
A kitchen water filter is a small luxury buyers appreciate.
It saves money on bottled water and makes your kitchen feel upgraded.
4. Improve Indoor Air Quality
Old carpets often hold allergens and odors.
Hire a pro to test air quality and consider replacing carpets with tile or laminate for a cleaner, fresher feel.
5. Remove Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings instantly date a home.
If tests confirm there’s no asbestos, remove them for a more modern look buyers love.
Home Improvements: $200–$400
1. Clean Up the Lawn
Your yard is the first thing buyers see.
Hire a lawn service to trim, shape, and refresh your landscaping for an instant curb appeal upgrade.
2. Deep Clean the Entire Home
A top-to-bottom cleaning—by a professional service—ensures your home shines.
Even regularly cleaned homes benefit because pros reach overlooked areas.
3. Visually Increase Square Footage
Visual space matters as much as actual square footage.
Open blinds, add a large mirror, let in natural light, and reduce clutter.
A shelving unit under $400 helps hide items that make rooms feel small.
4. Small Bathroom Updates
You don’t need a full remodel.
Replace old wallpaper, upgrade the lighting, or refresh hardware for a low-cost update that impresses buyers.
5. Add Energy-Efficient Fixtures
A new ceiling fan or updated lighting fixtures can modernize a room.
Energy-efficient models help reduce cooling costs and improve comfort.
Home Improvements: $400–$750
1. High-ROI Bathroom Upgrades
Bathrooms deliver excellent returns.
Replace an outdated vanity, update plumbing fixtures, or install new tile to instantly raise perceived value.
2. Small Kitchen Improvements
You don’t need a full renovation.
Swap out an old sink, install a modern faucet, or replace a dated appliance with stainless steel.
Even small kitchen updates pay off.
3. Replace Worn Carpets or Rugs
Buyers dislike flooring they must replace immediately.
Start with the most worn room if you can’t do the whole house.
4. Stay on Top of Repairs
Small issues add up and make a home look neglected.
Hire a handyman for a day to handle everything on your list and keep your home in top shape.
5. Hire a Professional Organizer
A pro organizer helps declutter and optimize your space.
A clean, organized home feels larger, looks newer, and attracts more buyers.
Bonus Tip: Think Green With Landscaping
Shrubs, plants, and flowers always boost curb appeal, but choose drought-tolerant or native varieties.
They require less water, lower maintenance, and stay looking great all year—saving money while improving your home’s appearance.
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