Easy Weekend Upgrades for Homeowners

Looking to freshen up your home without breaking the bank? These simple upgrades can be done over the weekend, often for just a couple hundred dollars or less

  • 1. Swap Out Cabinet Knobs and Drawer Pulls

    Instantly modernize your kitchen, bathroom, or furniture by updating the hardware.

    Tip: Throw one of the old knobs or pulls in your car—you’ll have it handy for future measurements!

  • 2. Upgrade Your Light Bulbs

    1. Swapping out old bulbs for warm LED options can brighten your space and save energy too.
    2. This simple change can make rooms feel cleaner, warmer, and more inviting.

  • 3. Freshen Up with Paint

    1. A coat of paint can transform a space in just a few hours.
    2. Start small, like an accent wall or a small room, to build confidence for larger projects.
    3. Use high-quality paint and tools to make the job easier and give a professional finish.

  • 4. Re-Caulk Tired or Cracked Areas

    Fresh caulking around tubs, sinks, and backsplashes can make spaces look brand new.

    Tip: Remove as much old caulk as possible, use painter’s tape for clean lines, and smooth new caulk with a wet finger or edging tool. Remove the tape before the caulk fully dries for the best results!

Essential Things Sellers Should Tackle Before Listing Their Home

Preparing your home for the market doesn't have to be overwhelming. A few simple updates can make a big impact and help your home stand out to potential buyers. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started!

  • 1. Purge and De-Personalize

    1. Remove ¾ of your belongings from cupboards, closets, and pantries.
    2. Organize what remains so buyers can easily picture their own items in the space.

  • 2. Freshen Up the Paint

    Touch up high-traffic areas and consider repainting rooms in neutral, welcoming colors.

  • 3. Stage Your Home to Show Its Best Features

    1. Arrange furniture to maximize natural light and highlight focal points like fireplaces or large windows.
    2. Add simple, cozy touches: a few throw pillows, neatly folded towels, a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter.
    3. Keep décor neutral and minimal so buyers can envision their own style in the home.
    4. Don’t forget small spaces—staging a cozy reading nook or tidy desk area can help buyers see more value!

  • 4. Finish Minor Projects and Repairs

    1. Complete small unfinished projects, touch up paint, and fix minor repairs.
    2. Cleaning things like window screens and gutters shows pride of ownership—and buyers notice!

  • 5. Remove Extra or Oversized Furniture

    Open the space to make rooms feel bigger and more inviting.

  • 6. Boost Curb Appeal

    Many buyers drive by before scheduling a showing, so make that first impression count!

    Examples:

    1. Seal the driveway
    2. Replace the front mat
    3. Trim shrubs
    4. Lay fresh mulch and add blooming flowers

Staging Your Home for Sale: Tips and Tricks

Staging helps buyers see your home’s full potential. With a few thoughtful touches, you can make your space feel more inviting, spacious, and move-in ready! Here’s a simple guide to help you get started.

  • 1. Focus on First Impressions

    1. Make the entryway warm and welcoming with a clean doormat, a few potted plants, and good lighting.
    2. Keep the front porch, steps, and doorway spotless—this is the buyer's very first view!

  • 2. Maximize Natural Light

    1. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible.
    2. Clean windows inside and out for the best sparkle.

  • 3. Add Simple, Inviting Touches

    1. Place fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter.
    2. Use neutral bedding and fluffy towels in bathrooms.
    3. Toss a couple of tasteful throw pillows or a cozy blanket on the couch or bed.

  • 4. Declutter and De-Personalize

    1. Clear off countertops, tables, and open surfaces.
    2. Remove personal photos, kids’ artwork, and bold décor so buyers can picture themselves living there.

  • 5. Arrange Furniture to Show Off Space

    1. Pull furniture away from walls and create cozy conversation areas.
    2. Remove extra pieces to make rooms feel larger and easier to navigate.

  • 6. Refresh Small Details

    1. Swap out old hand towels, add a new shower curtain, or place a stylish lamp in a dark corner.
    2. A few small updates can give your home a polished, ready-to-move-in feel.

  • 7. Don’t Forget the Senses

    1. Light a lightly scented candle or bake cookies before a showing.
    2. Play soft background music to create a peaceful, welcoming vibe.

Staging Shopping List

Get your home market-ready with these simple, budget-friendly items! A few small purchases can go a long way in creating a clean, welcoming space buyers will love.

  • 1. For Curb Appeal

    1. New doormat
    2. Potted plants or seasonal flowers
    3. Outdoor lanterns or solar lights
    4. Fresh mulch

  • 2. For Kitchens and Dining Areas

    1. Bowl of fresh fruit (lemons, apples, or oranges work great)
    2. New dish towels (neutral colors)
    3. Minimalistic centerpiece for the dining table (think greenery or candles)

  • 3. For Bathrooms

    1. White or neutral bath towels
    2. New shower curtain
    3. Decorative soap or lotion dispensers
    4. Small plant or simple countertop décor

  • 4. For Living Spaces

    1. Neutral throw pillows
    2. Cozy throw blankets
    3. Simple, modern area rugs (if needed)
    4. Fresh flowers or a decorative bowl for the coffee table

  • 5. For Bedrooms

    1. Neutral bedding set (white, beige, light gray)
    2. Accent pillows
    3. Fresh or faux greenery for bedside tables

  • 6. For Overall Touch-Ups

    1. Lightly scented candles (nothing overpowering)
    2. New light bulbs (Warm LED)
    3. Magic erasers for quick wall touch-ups
    4. Painter’s tape and touch-up paint
    5. Caulk (for freshening tubs, sinks, and trim)