10 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value Without Blowing Your Budget

When you put your home on the market, you want it to sell for every penny that it’s worth.  So, why wouldn’t you take a little extra time to present it at its absolute best?  Sure, you might be thinking, “well, that costs money,”  but you can actually increase the value of your home with just a few simple, budget-friendly updates.  Here are ten ideas to get you started:

1. Spruce up your front yard – Give those old flowerbeds a facelift.  The first thing a potential buyer is going to see when they look at your home is the outside.  So, plant some colorful flowers to increase your home’s curb appeal.  You might also consider power washing your sidewalks, driveway and porch leading up to the front door.
2. Add a fresh coat of paint –  Simply covering your walls in a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home’s value.  Opt for a neutral color to brighten rooms and make them appear larger.  A can of paint generally costs around $25, so grab a few cans, and start sprucing!  
3. Purchase new handles for your cabinets – You might not be able to afford new cabinets, but you can afford some new handles.  Rid your home of those dated and used fixtures, and get some more modern handles for cabinets in your kitchen and bathrooms for a cheap, updated look.  
4. Re-caulk your sinks, showers and tubs – As you’ve probably already noticed, caulk can turn yellow and become brittle over time, especially around sinks and tubs.  So, grab a $5 tube, and get to re-caulking to make your kitchen and bathrooms look like new.  It’s a super quick way to add value to your home.
5. Buy matching front panels for appliances – If your mix and match kitchen is giving you a headache, don’t sweat it.  You don’t need to buy brand new appliances that match, you can just get matching front panels.  Most appliances have front panels that can be removed and replaced.  So, give yours a facelift, and buy matching front panels from the manufacturer.  This will make your kitchen look updated and modern.  And the best part – you can purchase some panels for as little as $30!  
6. Deep clean your home – It goes without saying that if a potential buyer walks into your home and it’s filthy, they’re just going to see a lot of work needed to clean it up – on their dime.  So, go ahead and clean your home before interested buyers walk in.  Clean the floors, baseboards, windows, walls and ceiling.  Give your entire home a deep and thorough scrubbing.  This will help to let in light, make your home feel less cluttered and increase purchasing interest.
7. Purchase new shades for old lamps – Lighting fixtures can really date a home.  But, buying all new lamps can be very costly.  Fortunately, you don’t have to replace your old fixtures.  You can simply update them with new shades.  And, while you’re at it, go ahead and update those light switch plates, too, for a more modern look (just make sure all outlets and plates match throughout your home).
8. Purchase new faucets – Purchase new faucets for your sinks and showers to increase your home’s value.  Just make sure that they match.  These days, you can get them for just $30 to $60.
9. Update your carpeting or lay a new rug – Another part of the home that ages a house is the carpeting.  Rugs and carpet with long-dated patterns can decrease your perceived home value.  So, if you have a little extra money on-hand, go ahead, and redo that old, worn-out carpeting.  Of course, if you’re looking to add value without crushing your budget, you can always purchase rugs at discount stores, like HomeGoods, to create a modern look for your home.
10. Protect your home with a home warranty – Getting a home warranty while you’re selling your home can greatly increase its value and give you some much-needed protection.  Often, when a homeowner includes a home warranty in the sale, the home sells faster and for more money.  Plus, most home warranty companies offer coverage throughout the home’s listing period.

You don’t have to break the bank in order to compete for buyers.  With these simple home updates, you can increase your home’s aesthetic and overall purchase appeal for a faster, more lucrative sale in no time.