Published July 7, 2024.
Written by Reno Perry.

The Most Affordable Ways to Fix Up a House Before Selling

Selling a home in Southern California can be a lucrative opportunity, but maximizing your return on investment often requires some strategic upgrades. Fortunately, there are plenty of cost-effective ways to spruce up a property without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a real estate agent, investor, first-time home seller, or preparing to buy a home, these tips can help you present a more attractive property to potential buyers.

1. Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. The exterior of your home sets the tone for what buyers can expect inside.

• Landscaping: Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and plant colorful flowers. According to a report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), simple landscaping can yield a 100% return on investment.

• Paint the Front Door: A fresh coat of paint on the front door can make your home look more inviting. Zillow found that homes with black or charcoal gray front doors sold for $6,271 more than expected.

2. Fresh Paint Inside

Painting is one of the most affordable ways to refresh a home’s interior. Stick to neutral colors to appeal to a wider range of buyers. According to HomeLight, homes with freshly painted interiors can sell for up to 5% more.

3. Update Lighting

Outdated or mismatched lighting can make a home feel drab. Consider replacing old fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options. This small change can significantly enhance the ambiance of your home.

If you aren’t able to replace your lighting, swapping out the bulbs throughout your house to be consistent levels of warmth is a great way to make your space feel more cohesive on a budget.

Soft white light bulbs are a great middle ground between those that prefer warmer versus those that prefer cooler lighting. It can make all the difference!

4. Kitchen and Bathroom Quick Fixes

Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, but full remodels can be expensive. Opt for budget-friendly updates:

• Cabinet Refresh: Instead of replacing cabinets, paint or refinish them and add new hardware.

• Fixtures and Faucets: Swap out old faucets and cabinet handles for modern ones. These upgrades are cost-effective and can make these spaces feel new.

5. Flooring Enhancements

Worn-out carpets or scratched hardwood floors can be a major turn-off. If replacing flooring isn’t in the budget, consider:

• Deep Cleaning Carpets: Professional carpet cleaning can breathe new life into old carpets.

• Refinishing Hardwood Floors: This can be more affordable than replacing the entire floor and will enhance the home’s appeal.

• Touching Up Scratches on Wood Floor: A wood scratch repair kit is a great quick way to make any obvious blemishes in your floor a little less noticeable.

6. Declutter and Depersonalize

A clean, clutter-free home allows buyers to envision themselves living there. Remove personal items, organize closets, and consider renting a storage unit to store excess belongings.

Taking away all towels, small rugs, trinkets, or framed art can make it so that the potential buyer can easily picture themselves living in your home.

7. Minor Repairs

Fixing minor issues can prevent buyers from thinking your home is poorly maintained. Address any visible problems like:

• Leaky Faucets: A small fix that can make a big impression.

• Cracked Tiles: Repair or replace to give spaces a polished look.

• Squeaky Doors: Oil hinges and ensure all doors open and close smoothly.

• Old Hardware: Replacing beaten up door knobs & locks can make a great impression.

8. Clean and Freshen Up

A thorough cleaning can make a huge difference.

Hiring a professional cleaning service is a great way to have a fresh pair of eyes on your home— it’s essential to make sure that your home is as clean as possible prior to selling.

If you let your home cleaning service know that you are selling your house, they can discuss services that may be suitable for you.

Be sure to declutter prior to your home cleaning, as sometimes the clutter can harbor dust bunnies!

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for sale doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. With these affordable upgrades, you can significantly enhance your property’s appeal and increase your chances of a quick and profitable sale.

For more tips on buying a home, selling a home, or navigating the mortgage process, visit our blog regularly and stay updated with the latest trends in the real estate market.

For more information on real estate opportunities in these areas, feel free to contact our team at Century 21 Marty Rodriguez. We’ve been helping our clients make the right decisions about real estate in Southern California since 1978!