Realtors Share 5 Tricks for Getting Top Dollar When Selling Your Home

When listing a home for sale, most people hope to get top dollar for their property. And when you consider that Zillow says the average home value in the U.S. in 2024 is $359,892, “top dollar” can translate into a whole lot of money.

But not every home is in the right condition to earn extra money, which is why we consulted experts for tips on low-cost or DIY projects homeowners can try to boost their home's value.

From making major upgrades to trying simple tricks, there are a few different things you can do that may not only help you make outstanding first impressions with buyers but also get them to reach into their pocketbooks.

You can’t get a prospective buyer inside the house without first luring them in, and curb appeal is the term for that first impression of your welcoming oasis. 

 If your paint is overdue for a touchup, your lawn needs taking care of, your plants are dying, or any other array of issues, you will want to consider checking these items off the to-do list before putting your home on the market.

“The outside should have buyers saying, ‘Now that’s the one,’” explains Yawar Charlie, Director Estates Division at Aaron Kirman Group, Christie's International Real Estate. 

“Think manicured lawns, a pop of color on the front door, and an entryway that practically says, ‘Welcome to your dream home.’ First impressions aren’t optional — they’re everything.”

According to Zillow, the average homeowner spends around $5,380 in front yard upgrades — in the form of cleaning, staging, landscaping, and more — to increase curb appeal before they list their home. 

Your updates might be easy to DIY, but don’t be afraid to hire out help to get your yard in tip-top shape.

In almost every home purchasing scenario, there is a desire for security and a place to call one's own. A relatively inexpensive but decidedly impactful update to increase the value of your home involves purchasing and installing new, secure exterior doors.

Over time, even the sturdiest front doors can lose weatherproofing and morph into shells of what they once were. And even if drafts aren’t an issue, a rundown front door can make a home feel less safe.

The same can be true for all exterior doors, including any garage or barn doors on your home. Be sure to upgrade them — including the hinges and other hardware — to prevent weathering, and keep the locks and deadbolts updated. 

Replacing your front door costs an average of $2,214.

“Less is more when you’re trying to sell, so declutter inside,” says Realtor Lisa Sapenaro. This may necessitate moving personal items and photos out of the space before furniture, moving items around for a different flow, and more.

“Every room should tell a story that makes buyers want to step into it themselves,” Charlie insists. “A perfectly set dining room or a cozy living space? That’s what gets them emotionally invested and ready to say ‘yes.’”

“Paint the walls with light or neutral tones that can appeal to a wide array of buyers and help the space feel more open,” says Cory Councill, Agent at Aaron Kirman Group, Christie’s International Real Estate. “You’re offering buyers a blank canvas to paint the vision of their dream home.”

The average cost of staging a home is between $782 and $2,817.

As you prepare your things to move, you may notice built-ins that are a little off-kilter, pipes that need to be fixed, broken garbage disposals, squeaky door handles, or any other number of small items that more or less belong on a traditional “honey do” list.

As annoying as these repairs might seem, the small fixes are affordable investments in the success of the sale of your home. Every wobbly floorboard will make your prospective buyers wince, so take the time now to secure them.

For example, If your garage door hitches, see if there is an easy way to grease it or have a professional out to fix it.

“Make sure that everything is up to date, up to code and address any minor repairs immediately,” encourages Councill. 

“Things like leaky faucets or broken door handles can be major turn offs for prospective buyers, and they can be a really quick, affordable fix for the seller. It’s critical that everything, big or small, is in absolute prime condition to showcase the home as move-in-ready, and with a long livelihood ahead.”

You can’t sell a home without knowing and understanding its value to potential buyers. “Price it right,” advises Sapenaro. “This means right at or just below market value.”

If you are in the early stages of approaching the sale of your house, consider using an online automated valuation model to get a running estimate. 

If you're well into the process, you have most likely priced other homes in the area in similar condition and mapped out amenities, walkability, and every other perk and factor to living in that particular space.

Knowing the right number is an art. “Strategic pricing isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating that spark,” explains Charlie. “When a property’s priced right, it feels like a rare find, not yesterday’s news, and that’s how you get the buzz and the offers rolling in.”

There are plenty of smart money moves for homeowners that don’t involve the sale of your property. 

If you’re not quite ready to move you can try other avenues, like determining if your neighborhood has a homeowner’s association to speak with about renting out space, or creating a life/work space from which to profit.

If you are considering moving, Sapenaro suggests starting with a pre-inspection to get the process rolling and help you identify any of those possible DIY fixes that can help give your home’s value a boost.