In today’s housing market, where more and more “For Sale” signs are popping up on lawns across the country, sellers are feeling the heat. The number of homes hitting the market continues to rise, up 8.2% over last year, according to Realtor.com®. And with properties sitting longer before they sell, the pressure is on.
“Buyers have a little more breathing room,” says Jake Krimmel, senior economist at Realtor.com. “Homes are spending more time on the market, which gives buyers time to weigh their options.”
That’s great for buyers but what about sellers? In this increasingly competitive landscape, standing out is more important than ever.
Enter Zell Melendez, a real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway in Massachusetts. In a recent Facebook Reel that’s getting some buzz, he shared smart, budget-friendly tips that could add up to $15,000 of perceived value to your home, by spending just $1,500. Sounds too good to be true? Not at all. It just comes down to smart updates and solid first impressions.
First Impressions Matter, A Lot
“You want potential buyers to fall in love the moment they walk in,” Melendez says. “If they like what they see right away, they’ll move to the next room. That’s how you keep them engaged.”
While full renovations can cost tens of thousands, Melendez argues that a handful of simple upgrades—many under $100—can change a buyer’s perception dramatically. People don’t want to walk into a home and think, This is going to cost me money. They want turnkey. Move-in ready.
Here’s how to give your home value that vibe without draining your savings.
1. Upgrade Your Hardware
Swapping out old cabinet knobs and drawer pulls might sound like a minor change but don’t underestimate it.
“Think of it like giving your home a fresh haircut,” Melendez says. “Little details matter. You’re changing the whole mood of a room.”
Ditch outdated, shiny brass knobs for something more modern, like matte black or brushed nickel. These subtle upgrades can give your kitchen or bathroom a contemporary edge that buyers instantly notice.
You can find sleek cabinet knobs for as little as $2.38 each. With a few dozen knobs in the average kitchen, you’re still looking at under $100 to give the whole space a refresh.
2. Light It Up
Lighting is one of those behind-the-scenes features that quietly changes everything. Harsh, dim lighting can make a space feel smaller and colder. Melendez suggests adding under-cabinet LED lighting in kitchens or even in laundry areas.
“It’s like giving your kitchen its own spotlight,” he says.
These lights add a sense of luxury and cleanliness—two things buyers crave. A four-pack of LED under-cabinet lights can cost between $24 and $83, depending on quality.
Fully updated lighting doesn’t just make a home look better. It sets the mood. And when buyers feel good walking through your home, they’re more likely to make an offer.
3. Modernize Faucets and Fixtures
“If you’ve got chrome faucets from 2004, it’s time to say goodbye,” Melendez says.
Swapping out your old kitchen or bathroom faucet for a modern matte black or brushed gold version is another quick win. A chic, waterfall-style faucet can start around $72, and it instantly elevates the space.
It’s not just about function anymore—buyers are looking at fixtures as a design feature. So show them something that feels fresh and current.
4. Regrout the Tile
This is one of the most overlooked but powerful changes you can make. Dirty, cracked grout makes bathrooms and kitchens feel dated—no matter how clean they are.
“Regrouting is like giving your bathroom a facelift—without the plastic surgery bill,” Melendez quips.
Bright, clean grout shows care and maintenance, and more importantly, it signals to buyers that the home has been looked after. A 10-pound bag of grout can cost as little as $22, and it can completely transform a tiled surface.
5. Tidy Up Your Landscaping
Never underestimate curb appeal. That first glance as buyers pull up can make or break a sale.
“Trim up your bushes, add a fresh layer of mulch, and plant a few colorful flowers,” says Melendez. “It’s simple, but it makes your home feel alive and welcoming.”
If your front door looks tired, slap on a new coat of paint (bonus points for a bold but tasteful color) or add a stylish door knocker. It’s the kind of touch that quietly tells buyers: this home has been loved.
Conclusion
In a market where homes are sitting longer and buyers have more choices, the little things matter more than ever. Spending a few hundred bucks here and there on smart upgrades can add thousands to your home’s perceived value.
“People want to see that a home is being taken care of,” Melendez says. “They want to feel excitement and comfort as they walk through. That’s what makes them want to buy.”
So before you call the contractor or knock down walls, take a good look around. You might be just $1,500 away from a $15,000 boost. And that, in this market, is money well spent.
