As the weather warms up and the trees bloom here in Portland, you’re probably getting a touch of spring fever. The days are getting longer and more and more often you want to throw your windows open to hear the birds and smell the fresh air. For most people, energy levels increase as well. And if you’ve thought about selling your home, you’re probably dreaming of all sorts of ways to refresh your home.

Maybe you’ve been holding off, hoping prices will go back up. Remember this: prices have gone down for everyone, so no matter if you’re moving up, downsizing, or making a lateral move, you’ll be paying a lower price as well. 2023 can be your year to sell. In this article, we’ll cover 5 ways to spruce up your space on a budget so you get maximum pricing.

1. Change Your Hardware

A simple, inexpensive hardware change can make a room feel completely different. Greet your potential buyers at the door with a beautiful door handle on a freshly painted door. (Learn more about the power of a painted front door here.) The current top finishes for these knobs are matte black and polished or aged brass. Kitchen cabinet knobs and drawer pulls are another investment that will pay off well. Don’t forget to swap out any visible hinges that clash with your new knobs or that have been partially painted.

Another inexpensive yet significant investment for hardware is in your home’s faucets. Start with the kitchen sink. 2023 trends are leaning towards monochromatic finishes. Just like doorknobs, matte black and brass are great options. If possible, add a matching in-sink soap dispenser. Keep the design and shape simple and watch your budget — this is an area that you can spend a lot when you don’t need to.

2. Refresh Your Home with Paint

Paint is one of the least expensive upgrades for your home, yet its impact can pack a punch. For the broadest appeal, stick to light, neutral colors for your walls. Prioritize your rooms as you plan. Start with the kitchen, bathrooms, and entryway. Then, if you have budget and time, paint your smaller rooms to lighten, brighten, and make them appear larger.

Take a hard look at your kitchen cabinets. Your potential buyers will scrutinize this room closely. If there’s any wear and tear on your cabinets, they’ll see it. The easiest, most affordable option is to paint them. While social media trends right now show dark, warm colors on kitchen cabinets, we recommend keeping them in the light, bright, neutral color family.

Eggshell or semigloss is best for bathrooms and any other moisture-prone area. Use semigloss paint on doors and trim for more durability and cleaning ease.

If you’re interested in an exterior paint refresh, learn how to choose the best colors here.

3. Upgrade Your Lighting

Does your home have outdated light fixtures? What about any ceiling fans? These make a big impact on your potential buyers, so replace for more modern ones if you can. Glass pendants are all the rage right now and can work with almost any style home. Just like new hardware, keep any new light fixtures understated. Today’s buyers are all about sustainability, so try to keep any new lighting solutions as eco-friendly as possible.

Take advantage of natural light. If there’s any kind of view outside, keep those windows uncovered and let the light flood in. Not only will it make the room feel larger, it adds a sense of well-being to the room.

If you want more tips on how to layer your lighting for staging, check out this article on making your home bright and inviting.

4. Add Plants

If you’re looking for an inexpensive option to refresh your home before selling it, add a few plants. Five or six is usually enough. Bonus: you get to take them with you when you sell your home! A plant or two can warm up a living space, no matter the wall color. Choose understated plants — you don’t want them to be the focal point of the room.

Strategically place your plants in a way that highlights unique design facets or key architectural features of your home. Indoor plants can also help enhance any outdoor living space by creating a natural flow between the two areas.

5. Display Fresh Linens

Purchase some bathroom towels you pull out just for home showings. These should be fluffy and look luxurious to help your potential buyer imagine the spa-like experience they can have in this room. Learn more about staging a bathroom that sells here.

Fresh covers on decorative pillows in both the bedrooms and living space can add warmth, especially if they’re natural fiber. They’re also a great way to add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral room.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to refresh your home. Do what you can with the budget you have. A little can go a long way and can make a tremendous impact on the overall value of your home.