Paint, paint, and paint some more. Among the most visible, yet simplest and most cost-effective improvements in preparing a home for sale is fresh paint. A freshly painted room looks clean and updated — and that adds value. When selecting paint, use neutral colours to appeal to the greatest possible number of people, making your home more desirable to a wider audience. On average, a gallon of paint costs around $15-35, leaving you money to buy rollers, painter’s tape, dropcloths, and brushes. Get out the ladder and get busy! Get inspired. Instead of spending $200 on a decorator’s opinion, do it yourself and search for remodeling and decorating inspiration in home design magazines, books, television shows, and websites. Keep it simple — DIY projects are great for remodeling on a tight budget. Get energy efficient. Many local utility companies provide free energy audits of their customers’ homes that will demonstrate how to maximize the energy efficiency of your home. An energy- efficient home will save you money now, and touting that energy- efficiency in sales marketing will appeal to economically and socially conscious buyers.
$200 TO $400 IMPROVEMENTS
Add a water-filtration system. To add an inexpensive bit of luxury while saving money over time in the kitchen, install a water- filtration system. These systems purify your water and save on buying bottled water. A water filtration system is an inexpensive improvement and the type of luxury touch that attracts home buyers. Plant a tree. Trees add curb appeal. A longer-term strategy to add value to your property if you are not soon planning to sell your house is to plant a shade tree. Mature trees make your home
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