Make a resolution in 2016 to complete at least one DIY home improvement project under $250. You don’t have to take out a loan to make a significant difference to get your Metroplex home ready to sell. Although many homes in the DFW area are selling quickly, you can add thousands of dollars to the offering price with just a few small updates.

Paint the Front Door

Giving your entryway a splash of fresh paint creates curb appeal. Consider a bright color, such as orange, turquoise, or even purple, that coordinates with the brick or the current house paint color. Bright colors attract the eye.

If you find paint on sale, it may be possible to update the shutters and trim for a coordinated look. You can get an even better deal by checking out paint that customers returned because the color was off. Paint always gives homeowners the biggest bang for the buck.

Update the Kitchen Hardware

If the kitchen looks dated, give it a modern look with new drawer and cabinet handles, knobs, or pulls. Choose a hardware style that coordinates with your current kitchen style but gives it a contemporary vibe.

Got white cabinets? Choose a classic style hardware with a rubbed bronze finish to contrast nicely. Bonus points if you coordinate the hardware with your countertop colors. Black or espresso cabinets pop with silver hardware. For those with oak cabinets with lots of molding and beveled edges found in many older homes in the Dallas area, go with a simple, brushed steel knob.

Shed New Light on the Bathroom

Nothing makes a bathroom look more dated than light fixtures from 30 or 40 years ago. Sconces and ceiling-dome light fixtures can be pricey, but if you hunt for sales or look online you’ll find some steals. Buyers tend to prefer well-lit bathrooms, so consider that when choosing lighting.

Most bathrooms include ambient lighting, which is usually overhead or recessed lighting, and vanity lighting. Many people notice vanity lighting. Update the lighting over your vanity with sconces on either side of the mirror. Look for sconces with lighting directed downward, especially if your bathroom has enough ambient lighting.

One cool trend is mirrors with backlit LED lighting. These mirrors may push the $250 limit a little, but if you add the price of a new mirror to the cost of two sconces for the vanity, you may be in the same ballpark when it comes to price.

Just the smallest changes can make a huge difference in your home’s appearance. Even with just a $250 DIY home improvement project, you can add value to your house.

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