Before you can dive headfirst into the new adventure of building the custom home you’ve always wanted, you have to think about the biggest obstacle standing between you and your imagination – your current house. Most families that are preparing to break ground on their dream home aren’t first-time homebuyers, which means that packing, making repairs, and selling the old house all have to come first.

But if you’ve invested time, money, and sweat equity into your current home, an appraisal (formal or otherwise) may still have your house falling short of the amount you’d like to sell it for. With that in mind, there are a few easy fixes that can bridge the gap and boost the bottom line on your sale.

Smart Tech

Few things make a home seem more contemporary, livable, and move-in ready than a couple of high-end gadgets – and we’re not just talking about the kitchen appliances. Programmable smart technology is all the rage, giving users access to various systems throughout the house from a convenient mobile app or other remote-control system.

Smart thermostats, security systems, lights, and even entertainment setups (speakers and television) can all be controlled at the push of a button. It may seem gimmicky, but these conveniences add a touch of modern to your home that can give your prospective buyers the extra push needed to make an offer.

Update The Basics

Again, we’re not talking about dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on premium, stainless steel appliances that you’ll never get to use. But replacing worn out and tired looking faucets, cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and even light fixtures can all go a long way when it comes to nudging your house from “lived in” to “love it.”

Commode Changeup

Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses – everyone knows that. But if you don’t want to break the bank on a bathroom remodel… don’t. Instead, just replace the necessities. Swapping out the old commode for a new one makes for a simple, inexpensive DIY project and can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your powder room.

Front Door Fixup

 When it comes to curb appeal, the focal point of most houses is the entrance. But if your front door is dinged, dented, and scratched, it might go beyond what a simple coat of paint can cover up. Replacing your front door with a brand new one is a ten-minute fix, and a great way to bring the focus back to what’s important – all the great features your home has to offer its next owner.