Top 10 Home Improvements That Add Value Before Selling

Thinking of selling? These upgrades can boost your home's value and attract serious buyers.

When it comes to selling your home in Fort Lauderdale, presentation is everything—and a few strategic improvements can make a major difference in how fast your home sells (and for how much). As a local real estate expert, I help clients identify exactly what updates will give them the most return without breaking the bank.

Here are my top 10 recommended home improvements that add value before listing your home on the market.

1. Deep Clean Everything 

Clean homes show better, smell better, and sell faster.

Areas to Clean:

• Baseboards and vents

• Inside appliances

• Windows and tracks

2. Upgrade Window Treatments 

Old or heavy drapes can make rooms feel dark and dated - natural light is in! 

Options:

• Install white faux wood blinds

• Opt for sheer, light-filtering curtains

• Clean or replace outdated blinds

3. Fix Minor Repairs 

Loose doorknobs, squeaky doors, or leaky faucets may seem small—but they signal neglect to buyers.

Quick Fixes:

• Tighten hardware

• Patch small holes in walls

• Fix any sticking doors or drawers

4. Update Light Fixtures 

Replacing outdated lighting with modern, energy-efficient fixtures can instantly modernize a room.

Focus Areas:

• Entryway chandeliers

• Dining room pendant lights

• Bathroom vanity lighting

5. Refresh the Kitchen 

Kitchens sell homes. Even small updates can make a big impact.

Ideas:

• Repaint cabinets

• Replace cabinet hardware

• Install a new backsplash

Skip full remodels—opt for cosmetic upgrades that make the space look clean and functional.

6. Modernize Bathroom Fixtures 

Bathrooms don’t need to be completely remodeled to impress—updated vanities, mirrors, and faucets go a long way.

Easy Upgrades:

• Swap out dated faucets

• Install new mirrors

• Re-grout tile or install peel-and-stick backsplash

7. Replace Old Flooring 

Buyers are turned off by worn carpet or dated tile. Replacing flooring adds instant appeal.

High-ROI Options:

• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)

• Engineered hardwood

• Fresh carpeting in bedrooms

8. Declutter and Depersonalize 

Buyers want to picture themselves living in your home—not you.

Action Steps:

• Remove family photos and personalized decor

• Clear off countertops and bookshelves

• Organize closets and storage areas

Pro Tip: Consider hiring a professional stager if you're unsure.

9. Paint in Neutral Tones 

Fresh paint is one of the most affordable ways to give your home a clean, modern feel. Light neutrals make spaces look bigger and brighter.

Top Shades:

• Agreeable Gray (Sherwin-Williams)

• Simply White (Benjamin Moore)

10. Boost Your Curb Appeal 

First impressions count. A well-kept exterior makes buyers feel confident before they even walk in the door.

Ideas:

• Power-wash the driveway and exterior

• Add fresh mulch and low-maintenance plants

• Paint or replace your front door

• Replace dated house numbers or light fixtures

A dull, cracked driveway vs. a power-washed one with fresh landscaping = a wow factor.

Final Thoughts from Joanna

You don’t need to pour thousands into renovations to get top dollar for your home. The key is smart, strategic improvements that elevate your home’s appeal and help buyers fall in love—before they even step inside.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Fort Lauderdale, I’d love to provide a free walk-through to help prioritize which updates will give you the best return on investment.

Ready to Sell Smarter?

📲 Contact Joanna Levin – Fort Lauderdale Realtor
📺 YouTube: @JoannaLevinTheRealtorFL
📍 Serving Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas