As the holiday season approaches, you might think it's too late to sell those lingering listings. However, you don't need a Christmas miracle; you need smart, strategic updates that make a big impact without breaking the bank.

Here are five ways to ensure a sale before the new year.

#1. A Fresh Coat of Paint

When it comes to presale updates, a fresh coat is one of the quickest and most inexpensive ways to get a home ready for market - and it could be the difference between a quick sale and a price drop. Painting creates the feeling of newness, a clean slate, for buyers. It quickly removes obvious signs of wear and tear and nearly always sees immediate return on investment, not only with higher offers, but also a quicker sale. 

According to HomeAdvisor.com, here’s what you can expect to spend when deciding to go DIY: 

• $30 per paint gallon

• $6 per tape roll

• $20 per paint roller

• $8 per paintbrush

• $3 per tray

• $15 per drop cloth

• $150 per ladder

Professionals can be fast and more efficient - leaving homeowners and agents free to focus on more important things - like prepping for a quick sale. 

Most agents, afraid of making the wrong recommendation, will play it safe recommending to paint the whole house white or gray. But when you work with a professional designer, they can help make your listing stand out with eye-catching, scroll-stopping “new neutrals."

#2. Replace Hardware

We love small updates that make a big impact. Hardware (door knobs, cabinet pulls, faucets, light switches, hinges, etc.) can actually increase the value of a home. Replace outdated, dingy hardware with a consistent finish throughout the house.

Homes are full of hardware, so focus on the places that will catch a buyer’s eye first - kitchen and bathroom cabinet pulls, faucets and other bathroom fixtures.  

When choosing new hardware, it’s important to find ones that will help the value of a home, not hurt it. Intricate designs can become dust-magnets and high-gloss finishes can show noticeable fingerprints. 

Make a splash with a new updated faucet in the kitchen and bathroom. Keep your project simple by choosing a replacement with the same specs as the existing faucets. Stay timeless and on-trend with chrome, polished nickel, brass or black, which are popular styles that easily match many different materials.

While it’s not crucial to match the faucet and cabinet hardware finishes exactly, you’ll want to make sure you choose ones that compliment each other. 

#3. Update Light Fixtures

Updating light fixtures is like pairing a nice watch with a cheap suit. This update can be achieved even with a minimal budget but yields a serious ROI. 

When someone walks into a room and says it “feels good,” that can usually be attributed to great lighting. Proper lighting can transform a space, creating ambiance, while poor lighting can do the exact opposite. A well-lit room feels larger, cleaner and more enjoyable to be in. 

Not only do buyers want a well-lit home, they also want fixtures that are updated and on-trend.  One tip is to replace old kitchen light fixtures or recessed lights above an island with more modern pendants. This will anchor the room and create a focal point in the kitchen.

#4. Refinish Floors

Refinishing floors yields one of the highest returns on investment of all presale updates and can be completed in just 1 to 3 days. According to a 2022 report from the National Association of Realtors®, sellers recouped approximately 147% of their investment for refinished floors and 118% of what they spent on new flooring. 

Since the majority of buyers today start their search online, it’s important to give them that HGTV look they are used to seeing while scrolling. Wood floors look great in photos and are an easy way to attract attention. They are also more hygienic than carpet, being even more attractive for pet owners.

#5. Capture Instagram-Worthy Photos

Presale updates are nothing without eye-catching, scroll-stopping photos. Buyers will usually decide to view a property within seconds of seeing pictures, often before even reading the listing description. 

The best way to make sure you are capturing all of the effort you put into getting a house ready to list is through attention-grabbing photos. The better the photos, the more interested buyers. 

Some clients may be tempted to take photos on their phone to save some cash. But they will definitely see a return on the investment to hire a professional photographer who specializes in real estate. A pro will know exactly what to prioritize during the shoot and how to capture and edit the photos with proper lighting.

If a home has any unique attributes or beautiful design-focused updates that will attract buyers, make sure to capture and feature those on your listing. 

Encourage your clients to make quick, simple presale updates with the help of Renovation Sells (our projects average just 3 weeks!) and you will have a holiday season that’s truly merry and bright.