10 Cheap Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value Before Downsizing
Did you know that up to 51% of retirees aged 50 and older decide to move into smaller homes after retirement? It’s no wonder! Bigger houses mean more upkeep. Nobody wants to stress over their home, especially in retirement! If you’re part of the 51 percent of retirees looking to downsize, you’re already in the right place. But here’s the thing: it’s a hard real estate market. If you want to set your house apart from the competition, you’ll need to whip it into sales-ready shape. Fortunately, we’ve got a few ideas on how you can do that! Here are 10 cheap ways to increase your home’s value while downsizing.
1. Paint the front door.
Front doors add a lot of character to our homes. So, if you want to make your home look as inviting as possible, consider giving the door a quick touch-up. A bright red door might attract potential buyers’ attention. Yellow could also be a fun choice! Think about what color would make the rest of your house pop, grab your paintbrush, and get to work. According to Lowe’s, semi-gloss paint works best for front doors, as it’s easy to clean and durable. And don’t forget to buy a primer and paint that are for exterior use!
2. Do a deep clean.
Deep cleaning is much more than sprucing up. It involves vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing, and mopping every surface of your home, including those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Don’t feel like a cleaning job of that magnitude? No worries! Find a local cleaning service and book a deep cleaning. Then you can sit back, relax, and let a crew of professional cleaners work their magic. Of course, if you’re trying to save money, you can always take on this task yourself, too!
3. Plant flowers.
Never underestimate the power of plants! Planting a few flowers along your walkway or next to your house can transform a pretty home into a beautiful one. You don’t have to go flower-crazy. A few brightly-colored plants ought to do the trick. Make sure to water your flowers to keep them looking their best!
Some beginner-friendly flowers you might want to plant:
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- California poppies
- Sweet pea
- Cornflowers
Read Next: 11 Thrifty Landscaping Tips That Don’t Look Cheap
4. Power-wash your home.
Sure, you can always paint your door and plant some flowers, but if your siding is grungy, it won’t make much of a difference. The solution? A good, old-fashioned power wash! Not only can it clean your siding, but you can also use it on your driveway, garage door, and walls.
5. Wash the windows.
Windows are a magnet for fingerprints, smudges, and pet nose imprints. So, if you want to get your house ready for the market, make sure you clean those windows! You’ll probably be surprised by how much nicer your home looks afterward.
6. Remove old wallpaper.
Some wallpaper can really brighten a space. Other wallpaper can date it. If your wallpaper is from the same era as bellbottoms and disco balls, it’s time to put it out of its misery. Hang up more fashionable wallpaper or give those walls a paint-based makeover. Don’t let dated wallpaper keep your home from reaching its full value or potential!
7. Upgrade your kitchen.
This doesn’t mean you have to run out and buy a new stove or fridge. After all, that can be costly! Instead, try to figure out smaller improvements you can make. Paint the cabinets or swap out your barstools. Reorganize your space and hang a new picture. Be creative!
8. Spruce up your bathroom.
Once again, giving your bathroom a makeover doesn’t have to be expensive. Consider changing the toilet seat or hanging up a brand-new shower curtain. Of course, a new rug might brighten the space, too. Or new hand towels. Even a nice mirror can really tie the space together!
Read Next: How Seniors Can Make Their Bathrooms Safer and Easier to Use
9. Declutter your space.
Sometimes, too much furniture can make a space look busy and, well, unappealing. If you want to raise your home’s value, we have only one word of advice: declutter. Show potential buyers how much space your home has to offer. All those little personal touches are what make our houses feel like homes. But family pictures and a lived-in appearance can be off-putting to potential buyers. So, get rid of all your excess junk and take down personal photos. There are countless ways you can declutter without spending a dime!
10. Buy some potted plants.
A few houseplants might be just the thing to make your home extra cozy and inviting. Nothing brightens a space quite like a plant, after all! Not sure which plant will be as low-maintenance as it is beautiful? Try out a spider plant. They thrive indoors or outdoors. You could also purchase a prayer plant. These leafy stunners enjoy indirect sunlight and moderate watering, making them a low-stress option!
Looking for more?
If you’re looking for more thrifty tips, then check out these articles:
- 5 Thrifty Ways to Have a Cheap Vacation
- 6 Thrifty Tips for Seniors to Save Money on New Clothes
- 7 Simple Thrifty Tips for Retirees Decorating the Patio This Summer
- 8 Thrifty Tips for Seniors to Save Money When Eating Out
- 9 Thrifty Gardening Hacks for Retirees Who Love to Play in the Dirt (that will save you HUNDREDS!)
- 10 Thrifty Decorating Hacks for Retirees
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Originally published May 01, 2025
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