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Even simple renovations can make a home seem much more desirable in the eyes of prospective buyers. Here are some easy DIY projects to help pique buyer interest in your home.

Refresh your walls with some paint. You can give drab, washed-out rooms a compelling burst of depth by adding a fresh coat of paint. Ideally, you should try to keep things neutral, so prospective buyers will have an easier time picturing themselves and their possessions in the property. Be sure to prime water stains, crayon marks and other flaws before painting, so they won’t bleed through. You should also choose a nice eggshell or satin paint sheen for the walls and a semi-gloss or gloss paint for trim and woodwork.

Add privacy by installing interior shutters. Commonly used in urban and southern homes, interior shutters add architectural and historical detail to a home. They also filter out overwhelming sunlight, reduce cooling bills and add an element of privacy, especially on windows facing neighboring homes. A quick and easy weekend DIY project, interior shutters are easy to install on any window because they attach to the frame that either sits within the window opening or on the outside of the window casing.

Replace fixtures. New fixtures can have a dramatic effect on every room of your home. Whether it’s fresh lighting fixtures, an updated faucet or a new towel rack, even minor enhancements can significantly transform the look and feel of a home. New switch plates and outlet covers allow you to freshen up rooms without having to put forth much effort. You can make these renovations in a matter of hours for a relatively small investment. Many people are shocked when they see just how much new fixtures can alter the aesthetic of their homes. 

Revive an old deck. Years of weather and neglect can leave decks looking gray. That said, even the most hopeless-looking wood deck can be revived. You can use a power washer to “burn” the gray layer away and expose fresh, raw wood. You can then brush on a protective coat of semitransparent stain to shield it from the elements. The end result can be dramatic. Just be sure to always power wash along with the grain of the wood to keep from damaging your deck. 

Add some low-cost flooring. Long before plastic-laminate planks and sheet flooring, there was vinyl tile. Originally designed as an alternative to cheap-looking linoleum, vinyl tile grew in popularity because it was easy to clean, colorful and crack-resistant. These days, it’s available in all sorts of dynamic patterns, colors and textures, making it easy to craft checkerboard designs and floors with compelling contrasting borders. Consider it as a quick, cost-effective way to refresh dining areas, laundry rooms and entryways. 

Enhance your entryway. Since your home’s entryway is the very first thing buyers will see, you should spend some extra time enhancing its appearance. A welcoming front porch can significantly elevate your home’s curb appeal. Add a fresh coat of paint to your front door and dress it up with new hardware. Add a welcome mat and potted plant to your front porch and consider installing outdoor lighting to illuminate the walkway. 

Spruce up your landscaping. Attractive shrubs and colorful plants can add powerful curb appeal to any home. When shopping at your area garden center, however, be sure to “think green.” Choose plants that are drought-tolerant or native to the region. Since these plants require less water, they will flourish without a lot of oversight or maintenance. This will help save you time while you are trying to sell your home and give a you a valuable selling point for busy buyers who don’t have much of a green thumb. 

Boost your backyard. You can easily create an attractive outdoor patio over the weekend by strategically placing flagstone in your backyard. Add potted plants, exterior lighting and outdoor seating, such as a weatherproof bistro set or an eclectic collection of colorful chairs to craft a quaint backyard escape that extends your home’s living space. 

If you’re thinking about selling your home, The Wheaton Team can help. We specialize in residential real estate in Colorado Springs and the entire El Paso County. Let us help simplify the complicated selling process and help you sell your property for a price that meets your expectations. Contact us today to get started!