10/26/2025
Thinking of selling your home in the next six months? What can you do to increase the value and appeal of your home without breaking the bank? Here are just a few inexpensive ways to do just that:
1. Increase curb appeal. First impressions are everything and how inviting your home is from the outside can make all the difference. Updating the landscaping, whether it be putting down some new mulch or even something as simple as de-weeding or trimming up the bushes can make such a big difference.
2. Declutter your home. It may sound too simple, but when a potential buyer walks into your home they want to envision it as their home. Having clutter or too much stuff in your home can make the space look smaller than it actually is and hard for potential buyers to see themselves there.
3. Add some fresh paint to the walls and/or deep clean the carpets. Yes, some buyers may want to paint the walls themselves when they move in, but to many the idea of being able to move in and not have to do too much work up front is ideal. Adding fresh paint to the walls or cleaning existing carpet makes the home seem more move in ready and less work for them.
4. Make energy efficient updates. While prices continue to go up on most things, the cost of electricity and gas also continue to increase. Replacing old drafty exterior doors can help improve efficiency in your home as well as helping with curb appeal, especially if you paint them an inviting color ( #1 above). Even something as simple as installing a smart thermostat can help increase efficiency in your home.
5. Replace old, out dated (usually less efficient) appliances. This goes along with #4 in many ways but replacing older appliances like water heaters or even kitchen appliances can be appealing to buyers, especially first time home buyers who don't have appliances they are bringing along with their move. We all know that upkeep on buying homes sometimes comes with unexpected costs, the reassurance that recently upgraded appliances brings is something most home buyers appreciate.
6. Keep up with those small maintenance items. It seems like common sense, but making sure to stick to regular maintenance items and keeping up with repairs as they come up will make a big difference when you're ready to sell. Even the smallest things can add up when it comes time for inspections. Especially if you want to appeal to first time homebuyers.
Obviously these are many more things that can be done than what I've listed above, but these are some great starting points. Many of these items you can do yourself but if you're not comfortable doing something (for example: replacing a water heater), seek professional help.
Even if you're not ready to list today, give me a call or shoot me a message and I would be happy to do a walk through of your home and give you some professional insight of what you can do to help boost the appeal and value of your home. I also know of many contractors in the central Ohio area that may be able to assist you in your renovations.
Joshua Obert
RE/MAX ONE
The Knecht Group
740-739-1328