Boost Home Value: 5 Upgrades Under $500

By Jeff Burke

We bring professionalism, a high level of communication, negotiation, and execution to all our clients. We serve the greater Lansing and Grand Rapids- West MI area, where we are committed to protecting our client’s best interest and giving that 5-star experience!

Are you thinking about spending thousands on renovations before selling your home? What if I told you some of the biggest value boosts cost less than $500? Before you tear out kitchens or replace flooring, it is important to focus on the small upgrades that improve buyer perception and make your home feel clean, fresh, and well cared for.

Here are five home upgrades under $500 that add value before you sell.

Fresh paint touch-ups make everything feel new. You do not need to repaint the entire house. Simply touching up scuffed walls and repainting door frames with a neutral color can instantly make a home feel brighter and more maintained. Buyers notice clean walls. Even small paint fixes can make a space feel newer and move-in ready without a full remodel.

Updated lighting brightens and modernizes rooms. Lighting changes everything. Swapping out old, dated light fixtures for warmer, modern lighting is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to upgrade a room. Most fixtures are surprisingly affordable, and better lighting makes rooms feel bigger, cleaner, and more inviting.

New hardware gives kitchens and bathrooms a facelift. One of the easiest wins is updating hardware. New kitchen cabinet handles, bathroom faucets, and door hardware can completely transform a space. For under $500, you can give kitchens and bathrooms a fresh, updated feel without replacing cabinets or countertops.

Simple curb appeal upgrades create strong first impressions. Buyers start forming opinions before they walk inside. Fresh mulch, trimmed landscaping, and even painting the front door can make your home feel welcoming right away. These small exterior updates improve curb appeal and help your home stand out from the moment buyers pull up.

Deep cleaning signals a well-maintained home. Never underestimate the power of a deep clean. Clean baseboards, sparkling windows, and fresh grout send a strong message that the home has been well-maintained. Buyers associate cleanliness with care, which improves how they value the property in their minds.

Small upgrades do not just improve appearance. They improve perception. And in real estate, perception is everything.

If you are preparing to sell and want expert guidance on the smartest upgrades to maximize your home value in Lansing, call or text me at 517-853-6385 or email me at jeff@jeffburkeassociates.com. I will help you focus on the improvements that attract buyers, boost resale value, and position your home to sell faster and for top dollar.