10 Cosmetic Upgrades to Sell Your Home in Record Time

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By: Maria Conti

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Photo By: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Photo By: Antonio Martins

Photo By: Bethany Nauert

Photo By: Eric Perry

Photo By: Anna Braund

Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Seth Caplan

Photo By: Paige Rumore Photography

Photo By: Martin Cox Photography; Design By: June Scott, June Scott Design

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

You might be a fan of burgundy bedroom walls but chances are, the mass population won’t feel the same. Head to the home improvement store for a few gallons of a light, neutral paint to appeal to the mass market. Light gray, beige and classic white are all fool-proof picks.

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Add Crown Molding

Install crown molding to woo prospective buyers as soon as they step through the door. This traditional, cosmetic update is easy to DIY and has the power to give a space a polished and stable appearance. Who wouldn’t want that, right?

From: Antonio Martins

Install New Hardware

Toss any dated or tarnished cabinet pulls and replace them sleek, nickel or brushed brass hardware to give your kitchen and baths a current and clean look. The key to success is to stick to hardware with simple or classic silhouettes that speak to the architectural style of your home.

From: DMAR Interiors

Stain the Floors

Bring your beautiful hardwood floors back to life by adding a few coats of dark stain. We love this trick because not only does it give your home a handsome, fresh look but it also disguises years of wear-and-tear.

Learn More: How to Refinish Hardwood Floors

Slap on Subway Tile

Don’t let grimy and/or dated tile be the reason prospective buyers walk away without putting in an offer. Roll up your sleeves and install some crisp, white subway tile to give your kitchen or bath a fresh, universal look that works with many different design styles. Don't forget to refresh existing tile by cleaning or touching up worn or stained grout.

Update Ceiling Fans + Light Fixtures

No one wants that dated ceiling fan from 1987 and they certainly don’t want the glossy, brass chandelier that comes with it. Invest in replacing any dated ceiling fixtures in the home, prioritizing the high traffic areas first.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Paint the Kitchen Cabinets

Unfortunately, orange-y oak cabinets from circa 1993 aren’t doing so hot in today's real estate market. Bring your cabinets into the 21st century with a fresh coat of paint. Be sure to stick to fresh, neutral colors like dove gray or a classic white hue to appeal to the masses.

Learn More: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Update Bath Fixtures

Roll out the red-carpet treatment and treat buyers to new, fancy bath fixtures. Shop for fixtures that have an enviable spa-like quality, and be sure to use a timeless finish such as nickel or brushed brass.

From: Vernich Interiors

First Impressions Matter

You’d be surprised at the impact that a Saturday spent in the yard can do for your home’s curb appeal. Head out to your home improvement store and pick up a handsome, new mailbox and a few manicured shrubs to give your home an inviting and elegant appearance.

Get Ideas: 40 Before-and-After Curb Appeal Makeovers

Create a Pretty Patio

Take your talents outdoors. Draw buyers in with a simple, DIY paver patio, budget-friendly dining set and some festive string lights. A few potted posies and a pretty outdoor rug will help paint the picture of what their life could look like if the buyers purchase your home.

Get Inspired: Transform Your Patio Into Your New Favorite Spot

10 Cosmetic Upgrades to Sell Your Home in Record Time

Related To:

Shop This Look

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Add Crown Molding

Install New Hardware

Stain the Floors

Slap on Subway Tile

Update Ceiling Fans + Light Fixtures

Paint the Kitchen Cabinets

Update Bath Fixtures

First Impressions Matter

Create a Pretty Patio

Essential Home-Selling Tips

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