10 Home Improvement Projects to Tackle Before Listing Your Home

These small changes have the potential to make a huge impact on your selling price.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links.

By: Maria Conti

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Tria Giovan

Photo By: Tracy Lynn Studio

Photo By: Heather Scott Home & Design

Photo By: Julie Soefer

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza/Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Sarah Dorio

Photo By: Ryan Garvin

Photo By: Beatrice Pediconi, Designer: Sarah Gee Interiors

Address the Exterior

First impressions are everything. In the months leading up to listing your home for sale, put in a little sweat equity to create killer curb appeal. Prune the bushes, powerwash the fence and never underestimate the impact of a fresh coat of paint on the shutters, siding or doors. Replace your old mailbox and house numbers or give them a facelift with spray paint.

See More Photos: 30 Stunning Landscape Design Ideas

From: Ken Gemes Interiors

Go Neutral

Preparing a home for the market is all about appealing to the masses. You may be obsessed with that bold statement wall in your master bedroom but ruby red isn’t for everyone. Use a soft, neutral hue to give the people what they want: a blank slate. Soft shades of white, beige and gray are popular picks because they appear fresh and clean. Bonus: Light, neutral paint colors create the illusion of a larger space.

See More Photos: 65+ Paint Shades We Love and How You Can Use Them

From: Tracy Lynn Studio

Update Light Fixtures

Light fixtures are the jewelry of the home, so make sure yours are prepared to dazzle prospective buyers. Toss the dated flush mounts and bid adieu to the glossy brass chandelier from 1987. Replace them with pretty, Pinterest-worthy pendants like the ones pictured in this cozy kitchen.

Replacing a Light Fixture

From: Heather Scott Home & Design

Focus on Floors

No one wants to come home to a pet-stained carpet or dingy floor, so replace any worn-out or dated flooring throughout your home. A dark-stained hardwood will always be a beautiful choice but there are also many budget-friendly laminate options and carpets that will make a huge impact. Prioritize high-traffic entertaining spaces such as the living room or kitchen when allotting your flooring budget.

How to Install a Hardwood Floor

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Remove Popcorn Ceiling

If you haven’t already removed that unsightly popcorn ceiling, make it a priority before putting your home on the market. We know nobody wants to spend their Saturday afternoon scraping the ceiling, but the removal process is relatively simple and it's so worth it. So roll up your sleeves and remove it yourself so that there’s one less “daunting project” that could deter potential buyers from making an offer.

How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling in 7 Simple Steps

Upgrade Master Closet

Give your master closet a new look by installing a custom storage system. Showy built-in shelves give this walk-in a wow-factor that buyers will think about long after they left their viewing. Re-create this space by adding built-in units in your closet or by fastening a series of floating shelves along the walls.

See More Photos: 19 Dream Closet Designs

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Create a Squeaky-Clean Slate

If your bathroom tile has seen better days (like in the 1970s) put in some sweat equity and replace them with a set of crisp, white tiles. The classic subway tiles in this airy, white and gray bathroom give the space a bright and clean appearance that buyers would love to call their own.

How to Install Tile in a Bathroom Shower

From: Brooke Wagner

Install Molding

Enhance your home by installing crown molding and baseboards throughout. This simple, subtle touch yields huge impact because it adds a polished touch that gives a space a high-end look.

How to Install Crown Molding

From: Brooke Wagner

Replace Dated Hardware, Mirrors + Plumbing Fixtures

Give your bathrooms a facelift in one afternoon by swapping out old faucets, replacing mirrors and installing new cabinet hardware. Replacing these accents will give your bathrooms a modern boost that will turn buyers’ heads. Pro tip: Select classic finishes like nickel or brushed brass for an upgrade that will last them years.

From: Brooke Wagner

Take Your Stairs to the Next Level

Freshen your foyer by ripping up that grimy and dated stair runner and replacing it with a few coats of paint. (How striking is this inky staircase?!) Ripping out the old carpet and painting the stairs black or white will provide the new owners a clean canvas that they can easily manipulate to reflect their personal style.

How to Reface Stair Risers