Selling your home is a difficult process, even in the best of markets. As a homeowner, you’re probably already aware that there are lots of things you can do to increase your home’s value and marketability to potential buyers. But what if you don’t have a lot of cash to spare? These low cost, high-impact changes will help attract buyers and maximize your home’s appeal, without a hefty price tag.

1. Spruce up your house’s curb appeal. In the home buying market, first impressions are critical. A large part of a buyer’s decision can be based on “gut feeling,” which, for better or worse, forms quickly and is difficult to shake. Try to view your home from the curb as a new buyer would. Inexpensive but high-impact changes that can drastically improve your home’s curb appeal include: painting the front door, pressure washing the driveway, and even the house itself, and light landscaping.
2. Address any obvious repair issues. It can be tempting to leave these repairs to the next owner, but you might find that putting them of results in not having a buyer at all. Pay particular attention to small, obvious repairs like missing shingles and cabinets that don’t quite close. As potential buyers are viewing your home, you want them to be worrying about where to put the sofa, not about how to fix the screen door.
3. Repaint all interior walls in a neutral color. You might think that having a neon green kitchen is great – but to maximize your selling potential, it’s important to widen the appeal of your home to as many people as possible. Even if your home is already painted in neutral shades, repaint anyway if the walls are scuffed or look dated. If you have a bit of a creative streak, you can do the painting yourself, saving the cost of hiring a painter.
4. Remove any odors. You might love your cat – but chances are, potential buyers won’t. Nothing ruins a sale faster than an unpleasant smelling home. Well before potential buyers arrive, remove any pets from the home. Avoid smoking indoors, and open doors and windows for an hour or so to allow the space to air out. Clean bathrooms and kitchens thoroughly with bleach or other odor-fighting chemicals. As a finishing touch, light a scented candle, or bake a batch of cookies, which you can leave out for potential buyers.