Elevate your home sweet home! Uncover 7 playful ways to boost your property value. DIY tips, decor tricks, and more for a house that’s priceless!
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Owning a house isn’t just about feeling cozy in your favorite spot on the couch.
It’s also one of the biggest financial investments most of us make. Ideally, that investment grows as you develop equity in your house and see your property worth rise over time.
The good news: there are a lot of things you can do – without breaking the bank – to nudge that number up over time. Some of them are weekend DIYs, others might take a little saving or a pro’s help, but all of them are doable and totally worth it.
Some people choose to include smart security systems while some choose to apply a fresh coat of paint. Some others
So whether you’re thinking about selling soon, prepping for a refinance, or just want to feel like your home is doing its financial part, here are 7 ways to increase your home’s valuation (without needing a reality show crew).
Best Ways To Enhance Your Home’s Valuation
You can also check out some tips I gleaned that DID come from HGTV – when I interviewed The Property Brothers!.
1: Start With Decluttering
You’d be amazed what a clean slate can do. A good purge + deep clean can add up to $4,000 in perceived home value. (Yes, really.)
Buyers value a spotless house, but even if you are not planning to sell, you could benefit from making better use of your space, being more organized, and having fewer things to worry about.
That means yes to purging those mismatched mugs, expired sunscreen bottles, and 37 half-empty water bottles. And yes to busting out your favorite cleaning checklist so you can tackle it room by room without melting down.
Feeling overwhelmed? If DIY isn’t realistic right now, you can always get a quote and calculate junk removal costs to hire it out.
Start going through your closets and cabinets and putting items in a donation pile. Empty your drawers and other home storage areas to ensure you don’t end up storing items you no longer need.
2: Create A Smart Home (That’s Actually Smart)
You don’t have to tech out your entire house. (Despite EVERYTHING my husband is trying to do.) Even one or two upgrades can boost value and make your life easier.
The simplest place to start: a smart thermostat. You can control it from your phone, keep your energy bill in check, and impress future buyers with your energy efficiency game. Most models cost under $200 and are easy to install, aka: a win for your wallet and the planet.
3: ADD A FRESH Coat Of Paint
Painting is like Botox for your house. It freshens things up and buys you time before a more expensive overhaul. Even old interiors and exteriors may get a new look with fresh paint or wallpaper, and it’s not that expensive.
Try updating bold or out-of-place wall colors, and don’t be afraid to experiment with modern hues like sage green or deep navy, especially in accent spaces like a powder room or entryway. If resale is your goal, lean toward more neutral palettes, but if you’re in it for the long haul, paint it what makes you happy.
(And if your angsty teen daughter might have painted the walls of her room all black, but now she does not live with you – start with a different color scheme for those walls. 😉)
And if the paint bug bites hard? Don’t forget doors, trim, or even built-ins for a more cohesive refresh.
4: Improve That Curb Appeal
Hey, first impressions matter! Landscaping doesn’t have to be extravagant, but a tidy lawn, some mulch, and potted flowers go a long way.
If you’re up for a slightly bigger project, stone walkways, updated planters, or a refreshed porch can add real wow factor. A front yard facelift can boost your home’s value by as much as 7%.
A front pathway made of pavers, stone planters, plants, and mulching costs about $5,000-$6,000.
If you’re more of a Pinterest scroller than a green thumb, check out some quick DIY curb appeal upgrades you can knock out in a weekend.
5: Upgrade Your Exterior Doors
Your front door has a LOT of responsibility – security, style, first impression, energy efficiency… you name it.
Swapping out an old door for something stylish and secure pays off. And don’t forget your garage! Replacing a beat-up garage door can recoup nearly 95% of the project cost.
If you’re not ready for a full replacement, painting your current front door a fresh, bold color (hello, charcoal or cobalt!) can make a big difference too.
6: Refresh the Kitchen (No Full Reno Required)
Kitchens are queen when it comes to resale. I mean, how many of us have drooled over a gorgeous kitchen, even if we hate to cook?? I will go full gaga over countertops any day of the week. But that doesn’t mean you need to go full “demo day”.
Updating cabinet hardware, swapping light fixtures, or painting cabinets can make your kitchen feel modern without gutting it. Even replacing mismatched appliances with a coordinated set can go a long way. (I remember the happy sigh of ditching our white appliances for stainless steel…soooo shiny.)
But if we’re not going for the big reno, then start small; like adding under-cabinet lighting or organizing with functional storage (hello, printable pantry labels!).
7: Add Livable square footage
This doesn’t have to mean a full-blown addition. It could be converting the basement into a playroom, turning a nook into a home office, or finishing off the attic for guest space.
The more usable square footage your house has, the higher its market value. Bonus points if it’s flexible space that appeals to modern lifestyles (so that home gym you thought was a great idea in January, or dual workstations for work-from-home families are actually great ideas).
Even better? You’ll actually use and enjoy it now, even if you don’t plan to sell anytime soon.
So… Should You Sell Now?
Even if a sale isn’t on the immediate horizon, these updates will make your home more functional, organized, and enjoyable now. Think of it like prepping your home to be its best self – just in case Prince Charming (or a buyer with a dreamy offer) comes knocking.
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