Inexpensive Upgrades

Modernizing for Great Returns on Your Investment

Very few people build or buy a brand new home just to turn around and sell it shortly afterward. We stay in our houses until we add children to the mix, a job location changes, or the kids grow up and move out. And when we do decide to get a bigger house, move to a different city, or down-size again, what we never noticed before may be a glaring eye-sore to potential buyers.

Let’s talk about three upgrades to modernize a house without breaking the bank. 

1. Flooring

New flooring is a great way to modernize whether it’s refinishing hardwood, replacing old vinyl with the popular, durable, and attractive luxury vinyl planking and tile, or laying new carpeting. Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Menard’s all have a good variety of flooring options at economical prices. Many stagers are also able to get whole-sale pricing for you.

2. Lighting

We live in an older home that I think still has some of the original, antiquated light fixtures in it. Since we have 9 foot ceilings, I don’t spend much time looking up at the lights. Until I became a home stager, I never even considered updating them. 

Currently any brass fixture not purchased in the last couple of years is outdated. Choose a fixture that not only works with the style of your home and furnishings but definitely modernizes the room. Also consider the size of the space and how many bulbs are necessary to adequately light that area. 

3. Painting

Lighter, neutral wall colors make rooms look bigger and when it’s painted throughout the house, flow is created from room-to-room. I’m not saying every room has to be the same light gray or beige color but public rooms like the entry, kitchen, living, and dining room that usually flow into each other should all have the same wall color. Grays are still popular but beiges are starting to trend also.

By not making these three upgrades, you risk the chance of having to lower your asking price. But by investing a small amount in these major, modernizing features, not only will you get your money back, but you’ll be able to substantially increase your list price and for a faster sale.