![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/JPbombales-5576-compressed.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\nSelling your home ain\u2019t cheap. You\u2019ve got to factor in the agent\u2019s commission, essential repairs, closing costs, transfer taxes and moving fees, leaving little left over for professional home staging. Thankfully, there are several low and no-cost ways to whip your home into shape before planting that \u201cfor sale\u201d sign in the yard. <\/span>HomeLight<\/span><\/a>, a real estate referral company, recently surveyed more than 900 top agents about home improvements and cleaning tasks that will boost the value of your home. Here we\u2019ve rounded up their 10 best budget-friendly tips.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0whistlerstagingco\/Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Decluttering is a must before you move (that IKEA catalogue from 2008 does not need to come along for the ride), but it also makes your home appear spacious and well-maintained. Prospective buyers will focus on the space, not your growing piles of stuff. The average cost of decluttering your home from top to bottom, which could include a junk removal service or professional organizer, is $486. However, this update yields a 432 percent return on investment, which translates to $2,584 in profit.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0provincialhomeliving\/Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n This update couldn\u2019t be any easier \u2014 open up blinds and curtains to welcome in natural light. If your window treatments are outdated or heavy, consider removing them altogether. If you want to disguise an unsightly view or maintain your privacy, use sheer curtains that hang about a half inch above the ground. Another design pro tip: Mount your curtain rods as high as possible to make the windows seem larger.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0graceblu\/Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n You might be tempted to put on some rubber gloves and go the DIY route with this one, but professional cleaners will scrub all the nooks and crannies that you\u2019re likely to overlook. The average cost of a deep cleaning is $167, but the return on investment is a whopping $1,728 or 935 percent. If your home has been sitting on the market for some time, it\u2019s a good idea to schedule a weekly appointment with your cleaner to sustain its sparkle.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0michaelsmitharchitects\/Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n A quick and easy way to brighten up your home is to give those windows a wash, inside and out. Open house attendees can be nosy as hell \u2014 they\u2019ll open your cabinets, inspect your baseboards and check the condition of your windows. You want to make sure yours are free from grime, streaks or cobwebs.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0thefrontdoorproject\/Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Improving your home\u2019s curb appeal during the winter months is entirely possible. Clear walkways and driveways of snow, plant evergreens in pots, paint your front door a punchy color, or install new light fixtures. In spring and summer, add fresh mulch, colorful plants, lounge chairs or a modern address plaque.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0rejuvenation\/Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If you\u2019re selling your home in the middle of June, no buyer wants to see how festive it looks at Christmas. Listing photos that don\u2019t reflect the current season will make it seem like your home has been sitting on the market for months \u2014 and that\u2019s a red flag for homebuyers. You might be able to get away with recycling the interior photos, but you should certainly have the exterior shots retaken if they\u2019re not up-to-date.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0livabl_\/Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Replacing hardwood floors is a big expense ($6 to $15 per square foot, according to <\/span>HomeGuide<\/span><\/a>). Why not bring in a team of professionals to refinish them instead at roughly half the cost? Sanding, staining and resealing your floors will give them a whole new look for a lot less.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0pencilshavings\/Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n When selling your home, it\u2019s best to stick to neutral paint colors that will appease a wide range of buyers. But to keep your interiors from falling flat, bring in pops of color through pillows, throw blankets, decorative accents and artwork. Adopt the 60-30-10 rule (dominant color, secondary color, accent color) to prevent the space from looking too matchy-matchy.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0_harlowejames\/Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Simple flower arrangements can add a finishing touch to your open house. Place them in the common areas of your home, like the entryway, kitchen and living room. If you don\u2019t want to splurge on arrangements from a florist, stick to tasteful, in-season blooms and greenery from the grocery store.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0centered_by_design\/Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n1. Declutter every room<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n2. Open curtains and blinds<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n3. Give your home a deep clean<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n4. Wash the windows<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n5. Add seasonal curb appeal<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n6. Take recent listing photos<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n7. Polish the floors<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n8. Integrate pops of color through decor<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n9. Place fresh-cut flowers in vases<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n10. Crack the windows to allow in fresh air<\/b><\/h2>\n
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