10 DIY Ideas to Increase Your Home’s Value

The Seattle real estate market is hot, hot, hot, and you are thinking about selling your home. With homes selling way above asking price, you want to ensure you get top dollar for your home too. That’s easy to do with some simple, affordable home improvements. Here are 10 DIY ideas that will help increase your home’s value and curb appeal to draw homebuyers to you.

  1. Bring in a pro. Whether you are already working with a REALTOR® or are ready to select one, an experienced REALTOR® has a good eye for what will sell in the South King County real estate market. In just an hour’s time, she can give you tips on where to spend your time and money, and what to leave for the homebuyers.
  2. Refresh your yard. Spring is a great time to spruce up your lawn and garden. Clean out the winter debris, mow the grass, and trim bushes and trees.
  3. Add some new landscaping. It can be as simple as planting a flowering tree, adding some low-maintenance plants in your garden, or adding fresh mulch. This is an affordable way to add a little color to your yard.
  4. Powerwash the outside of your home and patio. The dreariness of winter in the Pacific Northwest can take its toll on your home. Freshen up the façade with a good powerwashing of your home’s exterior, the front porch, driveway, sidewalks and patio.
  5. Add a fresh coat of interior paint. Painting a guest bathroom, the kitchen, the master bedroom or any room that can use a little extra love can create a whole new look and vibe. Go for neutral colors, so homebuyers won’t have to try to paint over a bright orange playroom.
  6. Upgrade fixtures. This is a fun, affordable way to make design updates to your home. Swap out the light bars in the kids’ bathroom, replace a dated fan with a modern design, or change out the kitchen cabinet knobs and handles.
  7. Focus on the small things. Sometimes the smallest touches have the biggest impact. Replace the hallway runner, change the address numbers on the exterior of your home, add a pot of colorful flowers to the porch, or give your mailbox a fresh coat a paint.
  8. Hire someone to clean your home. Choose someone who will get to the nooks and crannies that you can never seem to get to – refrigerator bins and shelves, vents, window blinds, behind the washer and dryer, wiping down all the switch plates, a deep clean of the oven, etc. Your home will look and smell cleaner, and make it easier for a new family to envision making it theirs. Ask your REALTOR® for recommendations.
  9. Declutter your home. This can be time consuming but it is well worth it to present your home in the best possible light. Get rid of furniture and home décor you don’t plan to take with you, remove personal photos and mementos, and organize your closets. For tips on how to declutter efficiently, visit our “Pare Down Before You Pack Up” post.
  10. Make simple repairs. These can include everything from fixing a leaky kitchen faucet to patching a hole in the drywall. If you aren’t handy yourself, ask your REALTOR® for recommendations. She probably has someone on speed dial that help you with minor repairs.

You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to maximize your home’s value. Create a plan, a budget and a timeline that fits when you hope to list your home. And when in doubt, ask your REALTOR® for guidance.

Marti Reeder, Realtor, Managing Broker