1. Nail the 10-Second First Impression (Curb Appeal)
Paint the front door (black, navy, or classic red), refresh house numbers, power-wash, edge beds, and top with dark mulch. Add a clean doormat and working porch light. Non-negotiable.
2. Fresh, Neutral Paint—Everywhere It Counts
Neutral walls help buyers picture their life. Think soft white or light greige (gray/ beige).Try eggshell on walls, semi-gloss on trim/doors, satin in kitchens/baths. Patch nail holes and caulk trim for a "new build" feel.
3, Light & Bright Kitchen Refresh
Skip the remodel, not the refresh. If cabinets are dated but solid, paint them white or light gray and add 5–6" bar pulls (matte black or brushed nickel). Update the faucet and swap bulbs to warm LEDs.
4) Modernize Lights, Switches & Hardware
Nothing timestamps a house like builder-grade dome lights and shiny brass knobs. Replace key fixtures (entry, dining, baths), install consistent door hardware, and swap yellowed switches/plates for crisp white.
5) Spa-Clean Bathrooms
Clean is king. Remove and re-caulk tubs/showers (100% silicone in wet areas), replace a tired faucet/showerhead, and frame or replace the builder mirror. Stage with white towels and a fresh shower curtain.
Three Costly "Updates" to Skip (and Smarter Alternatives)
1. Full Kitchen or Bath Remodel
Big spend, low recoup, buyer-taste risk.
Instead: Keep the quick wins above; price to condition or offer a targeted credit so the buyer chooses finishes.
2. Whole-House Window Replacement Right Before Listing
High cost, long lead times, style preferences vary.
Instead: Do basic maintenance, disclose age/utility costs, and (if needed) offer a buyer credit or vendor quote rather than replacing everything.
3. Ultra-Custom or Trend-Heavy Choices
Polarizing now, dated tomorrow.
Instead: Maintain a neutral backdrop and use removable décor/staging for personality; let buyers customize after closing.
Rule of Thumb: If it’s expensive, subjective, and slow to install, skip it pre-list and use pricing/credits.
You don’t need a remodel to sell for top dollar—just clean, bright, neutral, and well-maintained. Nail curb appeal, fresh paint, light-and-bright updates, modern hardware, and spa-clean baths; skip full remodels, whole-house window packages, and trend-heavy customizations. If a project is expensive, subjective, or slow to install, use pricing/credits instead. Do this and your home will stand out online, show better in person, and attract stronger, faster offers.
-Akeem Harper
