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When you even think about all that it needs to be done to sell a home, the first feeling that runs through everyone’s mind is how stressful it is going to be. A lot of people are under the impression that, in order to get a good price, you need to undergo a massive major transformation.
But the truth is that not every home needs expensive renovation to become more attractive on the market. If you have good interior design changes, they can make your home stand out, look appealing to buyers, and sell faster than you imagined.
Here are some simple (and not expensive!) design updates that you can make before listing your home for sale.
1. Declutter and Depersonalize Every Room
First impressions are the ones that usually make the decision later. If you have too much personal clutter, buyers might not see how they could fit into your house.
How to declutter your home:
- Family photos should be removed, but also trophies and personal memories.
- Kitchen and bathroom countertops should be clean.
- Organize closets and storage spaces to look more spacious.
- Minimize furniture in small spaces to make them appear open and bigger.
Decluttering helps neutralize the space, which gives buyers an opportunity to envision their own possessions/stuff in the space.
2. Refresh Walls With Soothing Paint Shades
Dated or bold wall shades can be a turn-off to potential buyers. Instead, you can cover walls with light, neutral shades. It will create a fresh canvas.
Ideally recommended shades:
- Warm beige
- Light gray
- Soft white
Neutral color palettes not only appeal to a wider crowd but also brighten and enlarge spaces, which are two of the key factors in receiving quick offers.
3. Highlight Lighting to Make the Interior Shine
Lighting sets the mood in the space, and poor lighting is something you need to change ASAP.
Maximizing daylight by washing windows and opening curtains or blinds during showings is the first step, but there is more you can do, and you can make those changes fast.
Quick lighting upgrades to make:
- Replace outdated fixtures with new, energy-efficient ones.
- Add floor or table lamps to dimmer spaces.
- Use daylight LED bulbs for bright, even light.
4. Stage Key Areas for Maximum Impact
Home staging doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to call a professional designer or pay a high price tag.
You can do it by yourself, at least in key rooms that buyers look at the most, like kitchens, living rooms, and master bedrooms.
DIY Staging Tips:
- Set furniture in a way to create space and flow.
- Add some fresh flowers or potted plants for a warm touch.
- The dining table should be simple but elegant.
Staged rooms encourage buyers to emotionally relate to your home. If they are able to do so, it’s most likely going to be a fast sale.
5. Small Details Make a Big Difference
You don’t need big upgrades in order to make your home look better.
Small changes make a huge difference:
| Update Type | Estimated Cost (in USD) | How The Buyers Will See It |
| Modern cabinet hardware | 50-200 | Fresh, updated kitchen |
| New faucets | 100-400 | Clean and contemporary |
| Updated light switch covers | 20-50 | Polished finishing touches |
These small ‘updates’ can make your home appear much more modern and well-maintained.
6. Curb Appeal to Make a Lasting Good Impression
Your exterior will set the entire showing. Small landscaping and exterior refinements can attract more drive-up buyers.
Quick curb appeal ideas:
- Hedge-trim and mow the lawn.
- Power-wash sidewalks, driveways, and siding.
- Place potted flowers or plants beside the entryway.
- Paint the front door a tasteful but bold color.
Buyers will even make up their minds in seconds, so this is almost essential when it comes to a quick sale.
7. Consider Your Target Buyer’s Needs
Not all home buyers are the same. Some are seeking homes in move-in condition, while others, cash buyers or businesses such as A-List properties, aren’t as particular about top finishes and are more interested in location and upside – in other words, can they make money from this deal?
In markets such as Dallas, Atlanta, or Phoenix, working with buyers who prefer to buy houses in ‘as-is’ conditions can make the process so much quicker. So, while light design enhancements can be beneficial when it comes to property value, you might not need to make many updates in order to get a good offer.
Conclusion
As you can see, you don’t have to completely renovate your home to get it ready for sale. Just focus on decluttering, neutralizing, staging, and some minor remodeling, and you can get your home substantially more appealing to a range of buyers.
Some smart staging choices help potential buyers see your home’s possibilities, which can result in quicker and more appealing offers.
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