Simple, affordable upgrades that make a big difference when you list.
If you’re planning to list your home in the new year or spring market, now is the perfect time to tackle small improvements that deliver a big return.
The good news? You don’t need to renovate your kitchen or spend thousands to get your home “show-ready.”
Buyers form their impression within seconds, and many of the biggest value boosters are simple, inexpensive, and easy to do yourself.
Here are 20 low-cost, high-impact updates that help your home show beautifully, without wasting money on upgrades buyers don’t value.
1. Declutter like you mean it
Nothing makes a home feel larger and more inviting than clean surfaces and spacious rooms. Remove 30–40% of your belongings – yes, really.
This is the #1 most impactful pre-listing step.
Tip – For kids: toss toys into a bin and store it neatly in a closet.
2. Deep clean everything
A professionally cleaned home signals “well-maintained.”
Focus on:
• baseboards
• interior windows
• vents
• light fixtures
• grout
• appliances
• doors & trim
Many marks on walls can come off with a Magic Eraser.
A spotless home always photographs better.
Want this handled for you? Book one of our trusted, pre-vetted cleaning partners here:
Find a Preferred Cleaner
3. Repaint in light, neutral colours
One of the highest-ROI improvements.
Soft greys, warm whites, light taupes, and gentle beiges instantly modernize and make rooms feel bigger.
Avoid bold colours, buyers see future work, not style.
These two work beautifully across most lighting conditions, flooring tones, and home styles:
• Benjamin Moore – “Classic Grey (OC-23)”
Warm, soft, and versatile. Reads bright without feeling stark.
• Sherwin-Williams – “Alabaster (SW 7008)”
A clean, creamy white that photographs incredibly well and feels upscale.
Want this done quickly and professionally? We work with trusted, pre-vetted painters who specialize in fast, high-impact pre-listing refreshes:
Browse Our Preferred Painting Partners
4. Refresh your front door
Paint it, polish the hardware, add a clean doormat, and ensure your house numbers are clearly visible.
Your front door is the very first moment a buyer connects with your home — it sets the tone before they ever step inside. A clean, welcoming entry instantly signals pride of ownership and boosts curb appeal.
Replacing dated house numbers with clean, modern black numerals instantly elevates your exterior and makes your home feel current and intentional. It looks especially sharp mounted on a simple wood slab for a quick, budget-friendly DIY upgrade.
Great curb appeal sells.
5. Replace outdated light fixtures
Swap dated brass, frosted-glass, or builder-basic fixtures for simple, modern lighting. This one upgrade can completely transform the look and feel of a home, making spaces feel brighter & more stylish.
Need help with installation? We work with trusted, licensed electricians who can handle quick, clean swaps with ease:
Book a Recommended Electrician
6. Update cabinet hardware
New kitchen or bathroom handles deliver an instant modern lift for as little as $50–$150. Swapping outdated hardware is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to refresh a space.
For great value, check out bulk packs at Home Depot or score even deeper deals at W&W Liquidators.
7. Add fresh caulking & fix grout
Recaulking tubs, showers, and sinks instantly makes bathrooms look cleaner and newer—without any renovation. On the flip side, dirty, yellowed, or cracking caulking is one of the fastest ways to make a home feel neglected, even if everything else looks great.
Want to DIY it? Follow our step-by-step video guide here.
Don’t want to tackle it yourself? We can connect you with a recommended local contractor who handles quick, clean recaulk jobs as part of pre-listing prep.
8. Fix small repairs buyers notice immediately
• squeaky doors
• loose handles
• dripping faucets
• cracked switch plates
• chipped baseboards
• broken blinds
These tiny issues shout “poor maintenance.
9. Replace burnt-out bulbs & match colour temperatures
Warm-neutral white (2700K–3000K) looks best in photos.
Avoid mixing cool and warm bulbs in the same room.
Use maximum wattage allowed to brighten spaces.
Skip energy-saving bulbs, they look dim and take too long to warm up.
10. Steam clean carpets or replace worn area rugs
Smells and stains are instant red flags.
Home Depot offers affordable carpet-cleaner rentals.
11. Add inexpensive, modern window coverings
Simple white or off-white blinds or sheers brighten rooms and feel clean.
Avoid heavy or patterned drapes.
Make sure curtain panels hit the correct length. Walmart and Amazon have affordable options.
12. Improve storage presentation
Buyers ALWAYS open closets.
Aim for:
• matching hangers
• neatly folded linens
• 20–30% empty space
This creates the impression of abundant storage.
13. Power wash exterior surfaces
Siding, walkways, patios, decks, and garage doors instantly look newer. Rent one here!
In winter:
• clear snow from pathways and the deck so buyers can walk outside
• tidy interlock and side paths of snow (they’re often missed)
• display your summer photos if you have them
14. Add simple landscaping touches
Think low-effort, high return:
• fresh mulch
• trimmed shrubs
• pulled weeds
• a couple pots of seasonal flowers
In winter: add an evergreen urn or two (Costco or Home Depot are great sources).
Avoid major landscaping projects, buyers rarely pay for them.
15. Swap old faucets
A modern kitchen or bathroom faucet can update the entire space for under $150.
16. Update switch plates, vent covers & door hardware
These cost $3–$20 each and make older homes feel clean and consistent.
If yours don’t need replacing, make sure they are spotless and fingerprint-free.
17. Remove or rearrange bulky furniture
More space = more perceived value.
Remove oversized sectionals, deep recliners, and extra chairs to instantly open up the room and improve flow. Buyers don’t just look at furniture, they imagine how they would live in the space.
Bonus: Don’t want to store unwanted pieces? Donate them to Habitat for Humanity ReStore to declutter and give back at the same time.
Extra tips that add value:
- Float furniture slightly off the walls to create depth
- Keep walkways wide and unobstructed
- Let windows breathe—natural light makes rooms feel larger
- Keep one clear focal point per room (fireplace, window, feature wall)
18. Neutralize odours
Pet, smoke, and cooking smells are deal-breakers for many buyers. Odours instantly create a negative emotional reaction—even in an otherwise beautiful home.
Use enzyme cleaners, open windows regularly, and avoid heavy perfumes or air fresheners that try to mask the issue instead of fixing it. If you smoke, always smoke outside while your home is on the market.
Recommended product for true odour removal:
Odorcide — extremely effective for smoke, pet, and deep-set household odours.
mportant: Always dilute with water according to the instructions. Do not use full strength.
19. Add inexpensive, modern accessories
These elevate your space without a full staging:
• new throw pillows
• fresh towels
• simple greenery
• neutral bedding
20. Make a great first impression online
Once your home is ready, make sure your agent provides:
• professional photography
• clear, bright lighting
• clean sightlines
• staged rooms
• uncluttered shots
Most buyers decide whether to book a showing before they ever step inside.
What NOT to Spend Money On
Save your money—buyers rarely pay extra for:
✘ full bathroom renovations
✘ custom window treatments
✘ built-in closet systems
✘ luxury landscaping
✘ replacing perfectly fine tile or cabinets
✘ high-end smart-home systems
✘ trendy accent walls or specialized features
Stick to updates that improve cleanliness, brightness, space, and condition—those matter most to buyers.
Ready to Find Out Exactly What Your Home Needs?
Every home is different and not every upgrade on this list will be right for your property. That’s where expert guidance makes all the difference.
If you’re thinking about selling, we’ll walk through your home and show you:
- What’s actually worth doing
- What you can skip entirely
- And where a small investment could create a big return
We can also coordinate everything for you from painters and contractors to cleaning and prep – so you don’t have to manage multiple trades or timelines.
Less stress. More success. That’s how we sell homes.
👉 Book Your Free Home Evaluation & Pre-Listing Game Plan
Want More Tools to Help You Prepare?
For more seller resources, calculators, and step-by-step prep guides, explore the GoWylde Vault, our free online hub built to help homeowners make smarter decisions with confidence.
Inside the Vault, you’ll find:
- Net proceeds & pricing calculators
- Seller prep checklists
- Market updates & neighbourhood insights
- Moving resources & trusted local trades
