6 Ways to Boost Your Home's Resale Value

Blog Courtesy of Zillow

Small improvements can make a big impression on potential buyers.

Whether you're a homeowner looking to sell, or you simply want to be a little more strategic about your next DIY, it's worth considering which home improvement projects will not only look good but offer the best return for your time and effort.

A few well-chosen updates could improve your home's appeal and value. According to a 2019 Zillow survey of consumers, homeowners who make at least one improvement are more likely to sell their home above their list price than those who don't make any improvements: 23% vs. 17%, respectively. Home values are climbing at a record pace, and homes are selling faster than ever, so now may be a good time for would-be sellers to start prepping their homes for listing.

Here are six DIY projects that could help increase your home's value.

1. Upgrade your lights

Good lighting can bring out the best in your home. Updating old fixtures and adding dimmer switches are fairly simple upgrades. You could also consider replacing your fixtures with smart lights controlled by an app, which can help you save on your energy bill and sell your home faster. Zillow research finds homes mentioning smart lights in their listing description sold seven days faster than expected.

2. Replace your faucets

Whether your look is modern or traditional, a new faucet can enhance the style of your bathroom or kitchen. Make it a touchless faucet for added appeal, as COVID-era buyers increasingly look for smart features that will keep their homes germ-free.

3. Landscape smartly

A desire for more outdoor space is the top reason people say they would consider moving as a result of social distancing recommendations, according to a Harris Poll survey conducted for Zillow. There's no better time to spruce up your yard and create the functional, beautiful outdoor space buyers want.

If you want to take your outdoor upgrades a step further, listings mentioning an "outdoor kitchen" sold for 4.5 percent more than similar homes without the feature. Try these additional ideas for improving your patio space for year-round enjoyment.

4. Add a fire pit

Now that you have a nicely landscaped yard, go one step further and install a fire pit to create a family-friendly backyard hangout. Listings mentioning a fire pit can sell for 2.8 percent more than similar homes, according to Zillow research. Interestingly, that sale premium is higher than homes mentioning an outdoor fireplace or a chimenea. An added bonus: This is a DIY the whole family can help with.

5. Paint your front door (and more)

A freshly painted front door can boost your curb appeal, and if you're thinking about selling, you may be surprised by the winning color when it comes to ROI: Homes with black front doors can sell for up to $6,000 more than similar homes, according to Zillow research.

If it's in your budget, consider painting the whole exterior (probably not black, though!) to create a great first impression. In a survey of Zillow Premier Agents, 77% recommended sellers paint their home.

6. Add pet-friendly features

Putting up a fence may seem like a no-brainer to those with four-legged family members, but with pet adoption rates on the rise, a backyard addition like this one can be beneficial to anyone looking to sell. A 2020 Zillow analysis found for-sale listings mentioning a fenced-in backyard in their listing description sold 6.8 days faster than expected.

If you do have a pet, consider transforming a corner of your garage, mud room, or even laundry room into a dog washing station — homes that included a pet shower or dog wash in their listing description sold for 5.1% more than similar homes.