If you’re planning to put your home on the market, there are a few key things you can do to attract buyers and get top dollar for your property. One of the most important is making sure your home looks its best. But with so many projects to choose from, how do you know which ones will give you the biggest return on investment? Here are seven pre-sale upgrades that won’t break the bank and will help your home stand out from the competition.

A fresh coat of paint goes a long way

Paint cans and brush on wooden background.  Part of 7 pre-sale upgrades that won't break the bank.

When considering the sale of a home, it is important to make sure it is in its best condition. Having a fresh coat of paint applied can do wonders for any dwelling, from instantly brightening up the space to creating an inviting atmosphere. It is immediately noticeable when entering a property for the first time whether there is fresh paint or not, and this is one way to create a great first impression. Ultimately, painting can be the difference between a buyer passing on the house or considering making an offer. Investing in a new coat of paint before selling can help ensure that your home looks its best and potentially give you more bargaining power when engaged in negotiations.

Add new light fixtures

Installing energy-efficient light fixtures is a great way to both brighten up any room and impress potential homebuyers. It’s estimated that efficient lighting can reduce energy consumption as much as 80%, helping homebuyers save in the long run. Not only are these fixtures inexpensive, but they are also easy to install and come with directions so anyone can do it quickly and correctly. And if done correctly, the increase in efficiency will be appreciated by all while making your space highly marketable should you choose to move.

Install new hardware on doors and cabinets

Variety of cabinet pulls attached to a wood board.

Installing new hardware is an affordable way to give your doors and cabinets a modern, updated look. Whether you choose sliding drawer pulls, contemporary door handles, or a combination of both, it can add a personalized and stylish touch. Additionally, it is perfect for those who wish to redecorate their home with minimal effort and cost. With a wide array of styles available to suit any aesthetic preference, upgrading your doors and cabinets with new hardware is an easy way to make a big impact in the home.

Shampoo carpets and buff hardwood floors

Reviving your carpets and floors can have a huge impact on the look of your home, particularly if you’re looking for potential buyers. Shampoos available in stores can provide strong cleaning power but to get that like-new look, it might be best to either hire a professional or rent a carpet cleaner to do the job properly. For hardwood floors, buffing is key to restoring the natural gloss and remediating any old stains or scratches. With some effort, you may find these simple solutions to leave your entire house sparkling from top to bottom.

Declutter all rooms

Clearing out your clutter is a great way to add appeal to your home when preparing it for sale. By taking the time to organize what you have, you can make spaces feel bigger and more inviting when you open them up to potential buyers. Have a plan of action and decide what items should be packed away, donated, or disposed of according to their current condition – this could be as simple as going through any extra furniture, knick-knacks, or clothing that hasn’t been used in a while. Get an early start on your move by declaring these items off-limits before potential buyers come for a viewing. Doing so will maximize the living areas of your home and help attract more interest from those wanting to purchase in the future.

Clean up your landscape

Gray house with landscaped flower beds

When you want your landscape to look its best, investing time and effort into upkeep is essential. Sprucing up your lawn can transform it into a beautiful garden of vibrant colors and blooming flora. Start by cleaning the landscape by removing any debris or dead plants. Add new flowers to freshen up the space – pick a sun-loving variety to attract birds, bees, and other creatures. Trim back shrubs and trees that are growing out of control, and edge the lawn for a sharp contrast with its surroundings. Finally, give everything a nice finish with regular mowing; this will keep grass looking full and lush all season long! By taking the time to care for your landscape, you’ll be rewarded with an inviting environment that everyone can enjoy.

Keep the kitchen and bathrooms clean

While there are a few key areas to consider in maintaining or preparing a home for sale, one of the most important areas to remember is keeping the kitchen and bathrooms clean. These two rooms can be crucial factors in making a great first impression and setting your property apart from competitors, as they are spaces that people will focus on when considering purchasing your home. Not only is this important for any potential buyer to take into consideration, but it also gives you a great opportunity to showcase some of the unique features in these areas that may provide added value.

These tips should help you prepare your home for sale and make it more appealing to potential buyers. By taking the time to do some of these things, you can increase the chances of selling your home quickly and for a good price. Don’t forget the importance of always keeping the kitchen and bathrooms clean – this will make a big impression on potential buyers.

#PreSaleRenovations #AffordableHomeImprovement #BoostHomeValue #CleanKitchenAndBathrooms #EnergyEfficientLighting

Richard Seated

Richard has extensive experience in all aspects of buying and selling residential property. He has sold more than 400 homes and well over $100 million in residential real estate. There’s no need to guess. Get expert advice that will allow you to buy and sell with confidence and ease.

For neighborhood guides about Decatur and other intown neighborhoods, click here.

To learn more about the value of your home, please complete the form here.

If you are looking to purchase a home, please reach out here. We would love to help you have a wonderful buying experience.

You can always reach us through the Contact Us page here as well.

Expert Assistance:

To reach out to Richard for expert assistance in the Decatur & Atlanta markets, reach out here.

You can also ask Richard for a copy of his contribution to the best-selling book Top Dollar – by completing the form linked here.


Richard Reid
Richard Reid

Richard is an entrepreneur, founder, investor, mentor, real estate broker, and more. He has worked in Fortune 500 & Fortune 1000 companies in addition to founding, building, mentoring, and growing several smaller companies. He grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and has always been open to how new ideas and innovation can drive business and markets. A graduate of the University of the South – Sewanee, Richard has a strong liberal arts background, a passion for learning, and a drive to educate and empower others to improve their lives. This passion is lived out through his companies, mentoring others, and helping others achieve their personal and financial goals. Richard is a best selling co-author of "Top Dollar" that went to #1 on Amazon in the Real Estate Sales Category. He was also recognized with an Editor's Choice Award by the National Academy of Best Selling Authors for his work in the same book. Richard won an EXPY in Media & Communications from the National Association of Experts, Writers, and Speakers. He has also been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox affiliates across the country as a real estate expert. In 2014, Richard was recognized as one of the Top 500 Marketers in Real Estate by the National Association of Expert Advisors where he has also been recognized for business growth. Richard is also one of “America’s Premier Experts” for his commitment to publishing expert content for the benefit of consumers and journalists. For more information, please visit RichardReid.com.