(Without Breaking a Sweat… OR the Bank)

Are you thinking of selling your home or just tired of it looking like you just got out of college and have a hodgepodge of random things you have gathered over the years? I’ll be honest… I’m just not getting my house together and my kids are almost grown.

Good news: You don’t need to spend a fortune or devote your life to HGTV marathons to make your house look like you’ve got it all together. Here are some simple updates that require minimal effort and will leave your home looking like a million bucks (without actually costing it).

1. Coordinate and Touch Up Paint Colors

• Let’s face it: Random, mismatched paint colors are a dead giveaway that you gave up halfway through your perfect decorating dreams (or moving in because your husband was more worried about finding the perfect counter-depth, side-by-side refrigerator/freezer and you just got tired of painting). Pick a neutral palette (think greige, because apparently, beige and gray had a baby) and stick to it in all the main living spaces at least. Add an accent wall if you’re feeling spicy, but don’t go overboard. Remember, cohesive = classy.
• If it’s been a while since you last painted, here’s a heads-up: Paint fades over time. Even if you still have the exact same paint, touch-ups can look like a patchwork quilt. Be prepared to repaint the entire wall—or the whole room—to avoid those awkward mismatched spots that scream, “I tried dangit!” Trust us, it’s worth it.

2. Update Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures (i.e., handles and towel bars)

Did you buy your house over 15 years ago, or did your parents live there as long as you remember? Swap them out. Seriously, it’s like Botox for your house. Shiny new fixtures in modern finishes (think brushed nickel or matte black—because apparently, that’s a thing now) will make your space look instantly younger and trendier. Best part? You don’t even need power tools. Screwdriver = transformation.

3. Improve Lighting

Lighting is like Instagram filters for your house—it can hide a multitude of sins. Here’s how to nail it:

• Replace Old Fixtures: Those boob lights (yes, I’m a Realtor and didn’t realize that was their “official name” until my Union Electrician husband told me)…they gotta go. Upgrade to something more modern and chic that screams “I’m an adult and I have my life together” (even if you don’t, fake it till you make it right!?)
• Upgrade to LED Bulbs: These bad boys last forever, save energy, and make everything look brighter. Bonus: Your electric bill will thank you and SOME you can change the light color when feeling festive. 
• Get fancy and buy smart bulbs! They are a game-changer, especially if you have people in your house who leave lights on ALL. THE. TIME! You can set the color temperature and put them on timers, set “scenes”, play tricks on your kids… they are so much fun!

4. Make All Lights the Same Color

Your house’s lighting shouldn’t look like a disco party gone wrong. Stick to one color temperature for all your bulbs and watch the magic happen:

• Soft White (2700K-3000K): Warm and cozy, think sunrise and sunset light, rather yellow. Great for living areas.
• Daylight (5000K-6500K): Crisp and energizing, perfect for kitchens and bathrooms where you don’t want to miss a single crumb or stray eyebrow hair.
• In general, 3500K is a neutral light, not too warm, not too cool.  Do your best to make all bulbs match; if you can’t, at least match them in the same rooms.

5. Declutter and Organize

Clutter is like your house’s version of spinach in its teeth. Get rid of it.

• Remove Excess Furniture. At the very least, organize it in pleasing groupings.
• Organize Closets: People snoop. Make your closets look Pinterest-worthy, or at least like there is plenty of room for ALL the things.
• Find a place to put all of your unread mail, out of sight.

6. Deep Clean

And I mean DEEP clean… Nothing says “I’m a responsible homeowner” like a sparkling clean house:

• Scrub everything—yes, EVERYTHING. Floors, walls, windows, and that mysterious gunk in the fridge, the burnt-on goo in the microwave… all of it.  Pro tip: Magic Eraser after boiling some water in the microwave is a game-changer.
• Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms. These are deal-breaker zones. If they’re gross, it’s an immediate turnoff.
• Don’t forget the details: baseboards, vents, and light switches. People notice, and you don’t want to be judged for dusty corners.

7. Add Small Decorative Touches

Now for the fun part: making your house look like it’s auditioning for Midwest Living magazine.

• Fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit in the kitchen? Classic move.
• Stylish throw pillows or a cozy blanket in the living room? Do it.
• New towels in the bathroom? Instant spa vibes. (Pro tip: Don’t actually use them.)

Now, sit back and bask in the beautiful space you have created! These small, low-cost updates can make your home look polished, whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to impress your nosy neighbors. Now go forth and fake it ‘til you make it!