When homeowners in DFW consider selling their property, making upgrades is often the first consideration. Nevertheless, excessive upgrades or investing in non-essential improvements can result in a waste of resources.
Our curated guide outlines the top 3 upgrades worth investing in and the 3 upgrades best to avoid.
3 Upgrades To Invest In:
Do: Paint
A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to completely transform the look and feel of a room. It can instantly brighten up a space, make it feel cleaner and more modern, and even help smaller rooms appear more open and airy. When choosing your color palette, it’s a good idea to stick with neutral tones—like soft grays, warm beiges, or classic whites—as these appeal to a wide range of tastes and provide a versatile backdrop. You can always bring in personality and pops of color through accessories like throw pillows, rugs, curtains, or artwork.
Beyond aesthetics, painting also serves a practical purpose. A new coat of paint can easily cover up scuffs, dings, nail holes, or other imperfections that naturally occur over time, giving your walls a smooth and refreshed appearance. Whether you’re updating your space for yourself or preparing to sell, this simple upgrade can make a big visual impact without breaking the bank.
Do: A Kitchen & Bath Facelift
You’ve probably heard that upgrading the kitchen and bathroom are two of the best ways to increase your home’s value—and it’s true. But you don’t have to go all-in on a major remodel to see results. With a few smart, budget-friendly updates, you can breathe new life into these spaces without draining your savings.
Start in the kitchen with small upgrades that have a big visual payoff. Swapping out old faucets for modern fixtures, updating drawer pulls and cabinet handles, or resurfacing your cabinets can completely change the feel of the room. If replacing appliances isn’t in the budget, check to see if your manufacturer offers new or alternate colored faceplates. For instance, switching out your dishwasher’s front panel to match the rest of your appliances can instantly create a more cohesive and polished look.
The same approach works wonders in the bathroom. Lay down peel-and-stick vinyl tiles directly over your existing flooring for a quick refresh. Take the time to deep-clean the grout—or re-grout entirely if it’s looking worse for wear. Fix any cracked tiles or broken hardware, like loose towel racks or leaky faucets, to instantly improve the space’s appearance and functionality.
And if your shower is looking outdated but a full renovation isn’t feasible, consider installing a pre-fabricated shower cover. These come in a variety of styles, are easy to install, and cost significantly less than redoing the entire shower—yet still give the room a fresh, updated vibe.
Do: Landscaping
Enhance the curb appeal of your home by planting vibrant flowers or using a fast-spreading ground cover to beautify the front yard. Consider trimming trees and bushes, and maintaining a well-mowed lawn for an instant visual impact.
To create a low-maintenance yet well-maintained space, opt for succulents or decorative rocks, depending on the climate of DFW.
Add charm with simple upgrades like painting the mailbox, installing a bird feeder, and hanging plants. These small details and a well-tended yard will captivate anyone who passes by.
3 To Forget About:
Don’t: Finish The Basement
Embarking on this project can quickly become a significant endeavor, both in terms of cost and time investment. Research indicates that the return on investment may not align closely with the initial outlay.
In general, prospective homebuyers often prefer to customize the area to their preferences. They may envision an expansive entertainment room or the addition of extra bedrooms.
When determining the price for the property, factor in the unfinished areas and communicate to potential buyers that this consideration is reflected in the pricing.
Don’t: Add a Patio, Deck or Pool
Again, this can be very pricey, without much return. If you have an open area, use plants or pavers to tidy up and beautify the space. If the new homeowners want to build a deck, they can do so, but with their tastes and specifications in mind.
Adding a pool can cost a fortune, without providing a huge increase in what you will be able to ask for the home. In addition, a pool may actually deter buyers.
Prospective buyers with small children may worry about safety and many people may not want to worry about the hassle and upkeep of maintaining their own pool.
Don’t: Do A Major Renovation to The Kitchen or Bathrooms
Avoid spending a fortune on a full renovation unless it’s absolutely necessary—like in cases of water or fire damage. Major overhauls often don’t deliver a solid return, especially since most homebuyers have their own style preferences and plans for the space. In fact, many buyers would rather receive a credit toward the purchase price so they can handle upgrades according to their own taste and timeline.
Bottom line: don’t overdo it. Keep your updates simple, smart, and cost-effective!