Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Holidays
  • Gardening
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Shop
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Family
  • Pets
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 19 Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas That Are Giving Us Major Holiday Nostalgia

      Read More Next
    • 23 of Our Test Kitchen's Best Cookie Recipes of All Time

      We reach for them after school and after dinner. They're essential to holidays and casual gatherings. Homemade cookies are always a welcome treat. Whether it's a tried-and-true 1940s BH&G cookie recipe or a unique twist on sugar cookies, our Test Kitchen's compiled a lot of favorite cookie recipes over the years. Grab a glass of milk because we're about to dunk peanut butter cookies, oatmeal-raisin cookies, snickerdoodle cookies, and many more of our all-time favorite cookie recipes. Read More Next
    • Conquer Holiday Cooking with This Meat Roasting Guide

      All the times and temperatures you need to know to roast turkey, chicken, beef, and pork for your feast. Read More Next
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See all Holidays

    The CDC Just Updated Its Thanksgiving Safety Guidelines—Here's What You Need To Know

    With just two weeks until turkey day, the latest information could affect your plans.
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Halloween
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See all Gardening

    5 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Garden for Winter

    Depending on what's growing in your garden, there's a lot you can do to get your ornamental plants ready for the colder months. We've got the low-down on how to make sure everything from your perennials to your roses are ready when the snow flies.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See all Recipes and Cooking

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflĆ© dish. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here!
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See all Decorating

    9 Ways to Decorate Your Front Door for the Holidays

    This winter front door display is layered with holiday cheer. See how you can personalize your home's entrance with holiday front door decorations, including evergreen wreaths, garlands, pinecones, and pops of plaid.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See all Home Improvement Ideas

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See all Cleaning and Organizing

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Shop
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See all Rooms

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See all Beauty & Style

    Call Your Stylist: These Hair Colors Will Be Everywhere This Spring

    Deep brunettes, sandy blondes, and bold reds are in this year.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails
  • Health & Family

    Health & Family

    See all Health & Family

    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day.
    • Family Activities
    • Reunions
    • Conditions
    • Parenting Skills
  • Pets

    Pets

    See all Pets

    Luna Is the Most Popular Female Cat Name for the Second Year in a Row

    Plus, check out the other top options that owners are calling their pandemic pets.
    • Dogs and Puppies
    • Cats
    • Caring for Your Pet
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Home Improvement Ideas
  3. Moving
  4. Selling Your Home
  5. 12 Low-Cost Tricks to Help You Sell Your Home Fast

12 Low-Cost Tricks to Help You Sell Your Home Fast

By Sheryl Geerts
Updated April 06, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Credit: John Bessler
When your home hits the real estate market, you typically want it to be scooped up by a buyer as quickly as possible. To help your home sell fast, enhance your home's value by investing time and money in minor projects that will boost its appeal. These simple repairs and inexpensive updates will help your home look its best so prospective buyers won't be able to pass it up.
Start Slideshow

1 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Neutralize Your Home

Credit: Emily Followill

To sell your home quickly and appeal to the largest possible buying segment, use a neutral palette throughout your home. The eye can roam freely through a neutral palette, so the space feels more expansive. If you have a vibrant hue on your walls, consider painting over it with a neutral shade. This lets potential buyers see themselves and their interests in the blank space. Lastly, take down wallpaper or borders to make your home appeal to a broad range of potential buyers.

1 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Complete Needed Repairs

If something needs repair, fix it. Chances are you've become accustomed to your home's flaws, but a home buyer will less likely overlook imperfections. For safety, fix uneven or badly cracked cement on the front walk, repair loose railings, and replace broken windows and panes that can raise security issues. Owner neglect will only lower the asking price or lengthen the time required to sell. Additionally, ask a realtor to point out what other repairs need to be done to your home before it goes on the market. Homebuyers often require a professional inspection, so it's wise to already be one step ahead of the game. Make needed repairs before the first open house to save you stress and money in the long run.

2 of 12

3 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Minimize Clutter

Credit: Lincoln Barbour Photo

An organized home will help buyers see its potential while also giving rooms a more spacious feel. Sort through your belongings and pitch anything you don't need or that isn't going with you to the new home. Pack up unsightly or distracting items that are not necessary for the sale. This includes toys, out-of-season clothing, and everything on kitchen counters. Sell items that won't fit with the size or style of your new home.

3 of 12

Advertisement

4 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Freshen Your Landscaping

Credit: John Bessler

Keep the grass nicely trimmed to give your yard a welcoming first impression. Cut and trim all trees and bushes so that an overgrown landscape doesn’t distract from your home's beauty. Welcome potential buyers with a pot of flowers on the doorstep. If you have a porch or a deck, clean outdoor furniture.

4 of 12

5 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Update Kitchen Cabinetry Hardware

Credit: John Bessler

Special attention must be given to the kitchen, as it is often considered the heart of the home. Changing out handles and knobs to a brass or silver finish can drastically update the look of your cabinets. Home centers sell several hardware options that are affordable and stylish.

5 of 12

6 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Upgrade Your Flooring

Credit: Jeff Herr

Expose hardwood floors to enhance the look and value of your home. The popularity of hardwood floors is undeniable and can drastically raise your asking price. Buyers are seeking out natural-looking surfaces for every space. If you don’t have hardwood floors, install beige carpet to make a home seem fresher.

6 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Clean Your Home Thoroughly

Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour

An immaculate house is a sure selling point. Clean the carpet, scrub the walls and trim, and pick up all loose items in all rooms. Keep appliances spotless by cleaning off the top of the refrigerator and the handles on your refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven. Reduce clutter and maximize the appearance of workspaces by cleaning counters of small appliances, food, and papers.

7 of 12

8 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Rearrange Your Furniture

Make your rooms seem larger by creating clear traffic patterns with your furniture arrangement. Traffic should be directed around the conversation core. Also, when placing furniture in a room, pay attention to its visual weight, not just its actual size. Light-color furniture or pieces with thin, tapered legs appear lighter than dark or boxy upholstered pieces.

8 of 12

9 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Paint Your Front Door

Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Make a statement with a colorful front door. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders on any surface, and a bright hue ensures that your home will stand out in a neighborhood of neutral colors. Simple materials you likely already have on hand (paint, primer, and brushes) keep costs low.

9 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Play Up the Light

Credit: Robert Brantley

Take advantage of all available light to help enlarge your home's rooms. Use white or pale colors, which increase the brightness of a room by reflecting light. Keep window treatments simple and avoid blocking the windows with heavy layers of fabric.

10 of 12

11 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Light Up Pathways

Credit: Marty Baldwin

A well-lit path to your home is both welcoming and safe as providing illumination extends hospitality to visitors and makes walking more secure. High illumination isn't necessary, and downlights will prevent glare. Individually lit pavers can also be used to light a pathway.

11 of 12

12 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dress Up Your Front Porch

Credit: Blaine Moats

Welcome buyers with a few pots of seasonal plants and a decorative door mat. If your porch is large, make sure there's a comfortable seat or swing in good condition on which guests can sit. Check that steps and railings are stable and in good repair.

12 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 12 Neutralize Your Home
2 of 12 Complete Needed Repairs
3 of 12 Minimize Clutter
4 of 12 Freshen Your Landscaping
5 of 12 Update Kitchen Cabinetry Hardware
6 of 12 Upgrade Your Flooring
7 of 12 Clean Your Home Thoroughly
8 of 12 Rearrange Your Furniture
9 of 12 Paint Your Front Door
10 of 12 Play Up the Light
11 of 12 Light Up Pathways
12 of 12 Dress Up Your Front Porch

Share options

Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Shop | Better Homes & Gardens

  • Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks
  • Backsplash Tile
  • Space Heaters
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Paint & Primer
  • Drills
  • Power Tool Sets
  • Ladders
  • Wrenches
  • Pliers
  • Shop More Next

Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
Better Homes & Gardens

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
  • Help
  • Media Kit
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
BH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

View image

12 Low-Cost Tricks to Help You Sell Your Home Fast
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.