With a bit of DIY (do-it-yourself)—defined as building, modifying, or repairing things without the direct aid of hiring a professional—a homeowner can incrementally increase their home’s value on a shoestring budget. Even the tightest of budgets can squeeze in some room for sweat equity and few dollars. 

Before you get started it’s important to know your limits. If a project is more than you’re comfortable with or can competently tackle don’t hesitate to hire a professional. More harm can be done if you’re not sure what you’re doing. 

Gain Big Impact from these Small DIY Projects

Roll up your sleeves prior to the sale of your home for these do-it-yourself projects you can check off your list at very little cost:

Cleanliness is always in hot demand. A clean home, inside and out, makes a favorable impression with prospective buyers. Shiny floors. Sparkling clean windows and mirrors. Fingerprint-free appliances and shower doors. Each of these surfaces will be noticed and appreciated when they are spic and span. Decluttering and cleaning your home is among the easiest and cheapest ways to keep your home looking its best.

Go neutral. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way towards getting your home ready to market. Before taking the listing photos consult with your REALTOR® on trending neutral paint colors. Walls do not have to be white. Neutrals can range from shades of beige, stone, gray, or lighter hues of trending colors. Your real estate pro will have the latest market information to share with you.

Remove the carpet. If you have hardwood floors under the carpet consider taking the carpet up to show-off the wood. With the proper tools this can be a DIY project which is easy on the budget.

Remove the popcorn ceilings. Popcorn texture on a ceiling tends to immediately date and devalue a home. Take it off.

Brighten the bathroom. Updated fixtures are DIY-upgrades buyers will remember and want. Finding no leaky faucets, finding good drainage in the sink and tub, and seeing re-grouting to brighten the shower and backsplash areas will make buyers want to have this bathroom in their future home.

Spend an hour with a professional. Invite a REALTOR®, a home staging professional, or an interior designer to your home to check out your home. Many real estate professionals will do this as a courtesy. You may need to pay a consultation fee to the other professionals. You will gain suggestions for improvements, furniture placement, and other tips towards improving the look and feel of your home. Each of these improvements will increase the value of your home in a buyer’s eyes. I will gladly come and view your home free of charge. This added value service is one I’m happy to provide to all interested parties.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers every year. Sara is an American Dream TV Power Player who shares Houston real estate news with television viewers. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region. Start the conversation by scheduling an appointment with Sara.