Quick, Inexpensive Cosmetic Updates that can save you DOM and Expensive Price Cuts!

Scott Larrow // December 11 // 0 Comments

Real listing, at an attractive price point, in a desirable neighborhood, sitting longer than Average Days On Market, taking expensive price cuts. Lets see how a few strategic updates can save sellers time and money.

A few cosmetic updates can have a huge ROI

I found myself aimlessly digging through listings once again, looking for my next dream home that I can’t afford (yet) and scolding real estate agents and homeowners (from my couch) for their poorly prepared listings that have been sitting for too long, taking price cuts.

There was something about this one that caught my eye, and stuck with me. It had so much potential, and everything that needed to be done was purely cosmetic and pretty easy to execute. No moving walls no ripping everything down to the studs.

Here is what I would have done!

If you’re more of a WATCHER than a READER — Check out the YouTube video.

(same content)

If you’re just here because there was an item you wanted for your own home.

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The Full Redesign Here

Curb Appeal

Front view of a two-story house with a sloped roof, light beige siding, and an attached garage. The yard features green grass and autumn-colored trees under a clear blue sky.

So here she is in all of her glory.

My suggestions are: touch-up the trim paint (using the existing white color), paint a couple trim pieces on the dormers and the garage door. Paint the front door a fun color to pop. Updated light fixture, address numbers and mailbox. Remove the volunteer tree and clean up the walkway and beds. Plant a few ornamentals.

Front view of a charming house featuring a well-maintained exterior, a gabled roof, and a landscaped front yard with colorful plants and trees.

Here is the AFTER with my suggested updates.

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Living

That sad, sad carpet… and the drapes. Like I can’t. Boob light? Ugh.

So LVP the whole thing (into the dining and kitchen). New Light fixture: low profile flush mount lights. Staging but I talk about that later.

A modern living room featuring a light-colored sofa, artistic wall decor, a coffee table with decorative elements, and a large window showing autumn foliage. The space includes a stylish ceiling light and a plant, with a minimalist design aesthetic.

This is not virtual staging (that looks much better) this is just me quickly throwing West Elm furniture into a room for scale and impact.

Dining / Kitchen

Spacious kitchen featuring wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a large window providing natural light, with a center island and tiled flooring.

Bright and functional kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and ample counter space.

Really not terrible but dated. Builder-basic. So lets see what we can do.

Keep the wood cabinets (and stain color).

Update the cabinet hardware to freshen up the space and give some shine.
New laminate countertops (this is a entry-level price point) and
Tile backsplash with a Eggshell grout (to keep it warm)
Install LVP (Living Room, Dining and Kitchen).

In the Dining Area

Install new chandelier
Paint the existing bead board.

Bathroom

More basic-ness. Aside from no personality the stark white of the tub is making that shower surround look extra yellow.

I would

Install new light
New Mirror
New Faucet
(Keep the vanity and countertop)
New Showerhead
Hang shower curtain. Little touches can distract and bring life to a cold space.
Optional: New Shower Surround. Is you’re getting someone to do the kitchen backsplash tile get a quote to do this too.

A modern bathroom featuring a vanity with a sink, a large mirror, and a light fixture above. The shower area has a glass partition, while the bathtub is situated next to it, surrounded by a beige curtain.

Misc

An empty attic space with a carpeted floor, featuring blue-painted walls adorned with cloud murals and a small window with curtains.

These clouds make this space feel childish – and affects buyers ability to image it as anything else than a kids room.

An empty attic space with sloped walls, a window letting in natural light, and a light fixture on the ceiling. The floor is covered with light-colored carpet.

Paint the ceiling

A view of a house from a backyard, surrounded by tall grasses and trees under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Let’s get this mowed. Right now all I see is “work” but if freshly mowed it would show buyers there is ample room for children, animals, gardening, playing, adu, trailer parking, a pool!. Do you see how a fresh “blank slate” allows ones mind to run with the possibilities.

FEATURED DESIGN SPECS & SOURCES

Some links are affiliate links. You pay the same price — I may earn a small commission which helps me create more design resources.

Curb Appeal

FRONT DOOR Paint Color:

Caribbean Coral SW2854 – Sherwin Williams

EXTERIOR SCONCE:

Black outdoor wall sconce with a dome-shaped shade and a frosted glass bulb cover.

Golden Lighting Croma 12″ Tall Outdoor Wall Sconce

Quick, Inexpensive Cosmetic Updates that can save you DOM and Expensive Price Cuts!

The Full Redesign Here

Curb Appeal

Living

Dining / Kitchen

Bathroom

Misc

FEATURED DESIGN SPECS & SOURCES

Curb Appeal

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM

KITCHEN

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About the Author Scott Larrow

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