Picking the perfect lighting or finding a complementary paint color does not come naturally for everyone. Maybe you’re the type of person who is deeply inspired by Pinterest DIY housing renovations, but when you try to make an update, it’s a total flop.
Or maybe you have a vision and the talent to make changes, but you simply don’t have the time for extensive home renovations.
When preparing your home to be listed, it’s time to make updating a priority.
If your home needs an update and you’re getting ready to put it on the market, there are a few quick and easy tips that will allow your home to go from builder-grade to custom home in no time.
1: Swap out light fixtures
Purchasing and installing updated lighting can quickly bring your home to life. Start in the formal dining room, if the home has one, or the entryway, and choose an airy or open chandelier. Swapping outdated brassy gold or ornate oil rubbed bronze for simplified brushed gold or matte black is best when preparing the home for an unknown buyer. From there, work your way into other rooms, such as the breakfast nook and kitchen island lighting. The fixtures should be cohesive throughout the home as if they belong in the same family. For tall ceilings, utilize a chandelier to draw the potential buyer’s eyes upward. For very low or popcorn ceilings, use a minimal flush mount fixture.
2: Add or update cabinet hardware
Adding or updating cabinet pulls is the cheapest way to update your home. You can quickly give your kitchen an interesting, custom twist by simply changing the old pulls and knobs or adding them if there are none, to begin with! Although it’s a good idea to choose a style that compliments your light fixtures, don’t be afraid to get outside of the box with your cabinet hardware by mixing metals. Of course, all of the cabinet pulls should have the same finish, but it is ok for them to be different from your light fixtures or appliances. For an updated look, add matching bar pulls to all drawers and cabinets instead of knobs on cabinet doors. This will give a uniform, clean look to your space.
3: Window treatments
Window treatments may be one of the most overrated decorations in a home. Many people aren’t sure what to do, and when it comes to staging, we often recommend removing curtains altogether. An absence of drapes or window treatments will let in more natural light, allowing your home to look bigger and brighter, which is a win for all! Window treatments also tend to look dated or off-trend if they are not a current material or color, so when in doubt, remove those curtains and let the light in! If you have neutral, current curtains and are using them in a place that needs texture or frame out a window that doesn’t have molding, that is ok but be sure you are hanging them correctly to complement the room. Need help getting started? Check out these tips on how to hang window treatments.
4. Landscape your front yard
A little curb appeal can go a long way. There’s nothing like grabbing the attention of a potential home buyer as soon as they pull up to the curb. Make sure you create a great first impression with a clean and well-kept yard. Your yard communicates how well you take care of your home. Thankfully, updating your yard does not have to be complicated. Start by trimming trees and bushes away from the house to frame the home, and let it shine. Purchase a few colorful flowers to plant at the front of your home or in a pot by the front door. Add dark-colored fresh mulch to create a clean finish. When choosing plants, make sure to add a variety of colors and sizes. This will give the overall look some dimension and pop.
5. Add a fresh coat of paint
Besides decluttering and cleaning, painting is the least expensive way to add the most value to a home. A clean, fresh coat of paint can take a room from dull and dreary to warm and welcome. When staging, stick to neutral colors that will attract the largest amount of potential buyers. Cool grays are out, and warm tones are in. Consider a creamy white or a greige to allow your home to feel clean, open, and inviting. Don’t know where to start? Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door for a welcoming first impression. This will communicate your home is well cared for. Consider neutral front door colors like Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black, Peppercorn Gray, or Iron Ore for a lasting first impression.
Key Takeaways
If you’re getting ready to sell your home, make a few easy updates to attract as many offers as possible.
You don’t need to be an interior designer to make a few quick home updates.
Minimal changes to your home will quickly take it from outdated builder-grade to new custom home.