8 Improvements Under $500 That Will Boost Home Value Before Selling

Getting ready to sell your home? You don’t need to spend thousands on renovations to make it more attractive to buyers. With just a few hundred dollars, you can make strategic improvements that significantly boost your home’s appeal and value.

These budget-friendly upgrades can help your property stand out in the market and potentially lead to a quicker sale at a better price.

1. Light Fixture Modernization

Outdated light fixtures scream “this home hasn’t been updated since 1995!” For $30-150 per fixture, you can dramatically modernize your home’s appearance and improve its lighting quality. The entryway chandelier, dining room fixture, and bathroom vanity lights make the biggest impression.

Look for simple, contemporary designs that complement your home’s style without being too trendy or polarizing. Save the old fixtures in case the new owners want them, but most buyers will appreciate walking into rooms that feel current and well-lit.

2. Bathroom Refresh Package

Bathrooms sell homes, but full renovations cost thousands! Instead, spend $300-400 on targeted updates that make a big impact. Replace the shower curtain, towel bars, and toilet seat with coordinated new items. Add a framed mirror over a builder-grade one, and upgrade the basic bathroom lighting.

A fresh bead of white caulk around the tub makes everything look cleaner. Finish with plush white towels and a few decorative items like candles or plants to create a spa-like atmosphere that helps buyers imagine relaxing in the space.

3. Updated Cabinet Hardware

Your outdated cabinet pulls are secretly aging your kitchen! For around $100-200, you can replace all the knobs and handles throughout your kitchen and bathrooms with modern options. Matte black, brushed nickel, or aged brass hardware can instantly update the look of even the most dated cabinetry.

This small change catches buyers’ eyes because it signals the home has been maintained and modernized. The best part? You only need a screwdriver and an hour of time to complete this transformation.

4. Fresh Paint in Key Areas

Nothing transforms a space faster than a fresh coat of paint! I’ve seen dingy rooms completely revitalized with just a $75 gallon of quality paint and some basic supplies. Focus on high-traffic areas like the entryway, kitchen, or master bedroom.

Neutral colors like soft grays, warm beiges, or crisp whites appeal to the widest range of buyers and make spaces feel larger and cleaner. Even painting just one accent wall can make a dramatic difference when buyers walk through your home.

5. Professional Power Washing

Curb appeal sells homes, and nothing ruins it faster than grimy siding or a dirty driveway. Hiring a professional power washing service typically costs $150-300 and dramatically transforms your home’s exterior appearance. Years of dirt, mildew, and grime disappear instantly, making your home look fresh and well-maintained.

The difference is so striking that many potential buyers will form a positive impression before even stepping inside. Don’t forget to include walkways, decks, and fencing in the cleaning for maximum impact.

6. Strategic Landscape Refresh

First impressions happen at the curb! With about $200, I’ve helped sellers create eye-catching front yard displays that make buyers eager to see more. Replace tired mulch with fresh material, add colorful flowering plants near the entrance, and install solar-powered path lights to highlight walkways.

Pruning overgrown shrubs and edging garden beds creates clean lines that suggest meticulous care. A statement pot with seasonal flowers by the front door adds a welcoming touch that photographs beautifully for listing photos.

7. Deep Cleaning and Decluttering

My real estate friends confirm this truth: immaculately clean homes sell faster and for more money. Investing $200-300 in professional cleaning services can yield thousands in return. Focus on often-neglected areas: baseboards, inside cabinets, window tracks, and grout lines.

These details signal to buyers that the home has been meticulously maintained. While cleaners work their magic, ruthlessly declutter every surface and storage area. Remove at least 30% of your belongings to make spaces feel larger and help buyers envision their own possessions in the home.

8. Smart Thermostat Installation

Tech upgrades impress today’s buyers! A smart thermostat like Nest or Ecobee costs around $200 but signals your home is modern and energy-efficient. These devices look sleek on the wall and offer genuine value through energy savings.

During showings, your agent can highlight how the thermostat learns preferences and can be controlled remotely – features that appeal to tech-savvy and energy-conscious buyers alike. The installation is usually straightforward, and you can take it with you if it doesn’t sell with the house.