Selling your home is an arduous process, and sometimes the thought of making enhancements or maintenance before listing your property is a daunting task. “When preparing a home for sale, time and budget restrictions often determine what actually can be achieved,” says broker Andrea Saturno-Sanjana of Coldwell Banker Warburg.
Rather than invest significant amounts of money and time in an effort to get the highest price for your home, here are some quick and simple actions experts say you can do to ensure excellent offers from buyers.

Andrea Saturno-Sanjana is an associate realty agent with Coldwell Banker Warburg in New York.

Mary Hall Mayer is a realty professional with Coldwell Banker Warburg in New York.

Parisa Afkhami is a realty professional with Coldwell Banker Warburg in New York.

Bryson Taggart is a third-generation Realtor and senior development manager at Opendoor in Phoenix, Arizona.

Michael Gifford is CEO and co-founder of home equity firm Splitero in California.

Curb Appeal Enhancements
Your home might be perfect inside, but a buyer won’t step foot inside unless the outside measures up. “Curb appeal is crucial as it is the initial impression buyers will have of the home both when driving around the neighborhood and in photos posted online,” says Saturno-Sanjana. “Some multiple listing services require that the main photo be an exterior shot of the front of the home.”

1. Landscaping Enhancements
For most buyers, ensuring the grass is cut is enough to create a nice exterior, but with a little more effort, you can make even more money. Agent Mary Hall Mayer of Coldwell Banker Warburg suggests trimming bushes and weeding flower beds.
You can also make DIY improvements with new mulch or gravel and new planted or potted plants, Saturno-Sanjana says. “For grander homes, a thoughtful design from a landscaper or landscape architect can pay dividends in the long run in terms of higher sales price, fewer days on the market, or both,” she adds.

2. Driveway Resplendence
Is your driveway marred by unsightly chips, relentless cracks, or peeling patches? Parisa Afkhami, the esteemed agent of Coldwell Banker Warburg, urges you to attend to these imperfections before they linger in the shadows of your property’s allure. Timely driveway repairs are not merely aesthetic enhancements; they are essential guardians against future inconveniences that may arise for prospective buyers once they take residence. A well-maintained entrance not only elevates the immediate charm of your home but also fosters a deeper connection with those who may soon call it their own. Embrace the opportunity to transform your driveway into a pristine pathway that speaks of care and attention to detail, paving the way for an inviting first impression. A simple act of restoration today can yield immense dividends tomorrow, ensuring that your property shines as a beacon of desirability amidst the competitive landscape of real estate. Do not wait for the clouds of neglect to gather; invest in the beauty and functionality of your driveway now.

3. Refreshing the Front Door
Your front door is likely to be a focal point in listing photographs and will certainly catch a buyer's eye during their in-person visit.  
"Think about revamping the front door with a striking yet subtle hue or upgrading the hardware to create a more inviting entrance. Minor enhancements like new house numbers and exterior lighting can contribute to a warm and welcoming atmosphere, whether it's day or night," suggests Bryson Taggart, a third-generation Realtor and senior development manager at Opendoor Brokerage.

4. Enhance Doors
Addressing defective or outdated doors is crucial. According to Saturno-Sanjana, data from the construction and remodeling industry indicate that replacing garage and entry doors ranks highly in terms of return on investment (ROI).

5. Cleaning and Organizing
Just like the interior of your home, maintaining a tidy and clean yard and outdoor spaces is essential. Mayer recommends raking, mowing, and edging the lawn between major landscaping updates.
Power washing is an inexpensive method to add some shine to your home. Taggart advises focusing on the driveway, front walkway, and siding for a fresher appearance.
Clear away piles of bricks, abandoned projects, and children's toys, and arrange outdoor areas such as a porch or patio in the same way you would stage your living room.

Preparing Your Home for Sale
Presenting your home attractively, whether done by professionals or through a DIY effort, is one of the simplest methods to secure a top offer.

1. Decluttering:
The initial step in preparing your home for staging is to eliminate personal belongings such as photographs, artwork, and trinkets to allow buyers to picture themselves in the space. Mayer advises, "Declutter and remove all personal items, especially personal photographs; buyers tend to get distracted by your photos instead of focusing on the property."

2. Hiring Professional Stagers:
Professional stagers can provide furniture to enhance the appeal of any space, ensuring the design is attractive to a wide range of buyers.
"Staging a home for sale is essential because it helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space, making the property more appealing and often increasing its value," states Michael Gifford, CEO and co-founder of Splitero. "Staged homes generally sell more quickly and at higher prices by showcasing the home’s best features and minimizing imperfections."

3. Thorough Cleaning:
Whether you decide to stage your home or not, one of the best ways to impress potential buyers is by ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned.
Mayer explains that this was a key reason why an older ranch home she showed to a client sold quickly. Despite the interior and furnishings being dated, the home’s well-maintained yard and pool, combined with impeccable cleanliness, made a significant impact.
"Everything was spotless. The garage was meticulously organized, the wall-to-wall carpets were stain-free, and every closet was beautifully arranged," she noted. "With such a well-kept yard and the care given to the interior, it was evident that the house, though in need of updates and redecorating, had a well-maintained roof, boiler, and hot water tank. Consequently, there were six offers on the home by the first afternoon."

Undertaking Home Improvements
While some projects may be more extensive, they can significantly boost your home's value, ensuring you get the best possible price.

1. Upgrading Lighting
Warm lighting is preferred by buyers, and overall improved lighting will showcase your home in the best light. "A simple project I recommend that will immediately make your home more inviting is replacing your lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) or LEDs," says Gifford. "Not only will it save you money, but they're also more environmentally friendly."

2. Incorporating Smart Technology
Integrating smart home features, or at least emphasizing them in listings, is an effortless way to maximize your home’s value.
"Current market trends underscore the significance of features that offer year-round comfort and functionality," explains Taggart. "Energy-efficient upgrades, such as smart thermostats, are particularly attractive to ‘anytime buyers’—a segment that comprises 26% of buyers and sellers. This group appreciates homes that meet their needs regardless of the season, making energy-efficient and low-maintenance features highly appealing."
Smart thermostats, security systems, smart lighting, and even water leak detectors are excellent choices.

3. Renovating Kitchens and Bathrooms
Although these upgrades are neither simple nor cheap, kitchen and bathroom renovations consistently provide the highest return on investment for sellers.
"The greatest return on investment always comes from the kitchen and bathrooms," says Mayer. "They’re the most disruptive and costly to renovate, often requiring crews to move through the entire house. Additionally, a finished basement adds significant value."

“Choosing neutral, timeless finishes in both areas ensures wide appeal, helping the upgrades connect with a broad range of buyers and increasing the home’s marketability and resale value,” Taggart notes.
Unable to afford a full renovation? Consider a facelift. “A minor remodel can include updating hardware, countertops, cabinet faces, appliances, flooring, and applying fresh paint,” Gifford suggests.
Similarly, a few upgrades can significantly enhance your bathroom. “For bathrooms, regrouting, tub reglazing, and updating the light fixture above the vanity can make a big difference,” Saturno-Sanjana advises.