It's become difficult for sellers to make major upgrades these days due to the economy and ongoing tariff pressures on goods and materials.

Even homeowners just looking to tap into their equity for repairs are having a hard time knowing what they can afford these days.

However, with home prices still commanding attention, even a modest $500 investment can go a long way in boosting perceived value—and possibly even the sale price.

Repaint the front door

A freshly painted door is one of the first impressions buyers see and that can psychologically signal a well-kept home.

"The front door is one of the first things buyers will notice—so make it count," says designer Justin M. Riordan, founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency in Portland, OR, and Seattle. "While bold colors like orange, teal, and coral can shout 'Look at me,' traditional choices like black, navy, or red quietly say 'well-maintained.'"

Since a can of exterior paint is typically priced at less than $100, the return on investment on painting the front door can be especially high.

"It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to boost curb appeal," says Riordan. "A freshly painted door helps guide the buyer’s eye, subtly laying out a welcoming path as they enter your home."

According to Homelight, painting the exterior of your house, including the front door, can yield an ROI of 51%.

"The impression the buyers get upon stepping up to the home is created within a few seconds, and you want to make sure the front door sends the message of being welcoming and that the home is cared for," says Cara Ameer, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, who operates in both California and Florida.

Update hardware in kitchen and bathroom

Swapping outdated drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, or faucets for sleek, modern finishes in matte black, brushed gold, or stainless steel can really update a space.

"It’s like a facelift for your kitchen and bathroom—instant upgrade," says Riordan.

Nikki Beauchamp, an associate broker with Sotheby's International Realty in New York, NY, often suggests that clients change out hardware sets, since these can be inexpensive and are often DIY-friendly.

"It's easy to pick up and do yourself over the course of a weekend," Beauchamp says.

According to BobVila.com, cabinet hardware hinges and handles start at just $2 each—and 20 to 40 pieces of hardware will be enough to upgrade a 200-square-foot kitchen.

HomeAdvisor reports that a faucet with basic options starts as low as $91, meaning you get a big visual payoff for a minimal investment.

"Swapping out hardware and faucets can completely update the space without breaking the bank," says Riordan.

Upgrade lighting

Swapping out dated fixtures or changing builder-grade lights to something more stylish are both easy ways to modernize a room and create strong visual impact.

"It’s an inexpensive way to make the home feel warmer and more upscale," notes Riordan.

According to HomeGuide, lighting fixtures typically start at $50, so that's a big bang for your buck.

Basic dimmer switches, which cost between $15 and $25, can also instantly elevate a space.

Bosscat reports lighting upgrades such as these can provide a return on investment of up to 75%.

Plus, if you’re selling, good lighting will make your home more photogenic.

"It’s crucial for making those listing photos pop," says Riordan.

Professionally clean carpets

Buyers equate clean floors with a well-maintained home.

"Buyers notice flooring right away," says real estate agent and investor Ron Myers, of Ron Buys Florida Homes. "If the carpet smells like pets or looks stained, it can turn someone off fast. A professional carpet cleaning helps make the home feel fresh and well cared for."

Professional carpet cleaning costs $182 on average, according to Angi—but "can erase years of stains and odors, which is especially important for homes with pets or smokers," says Riordan.

A clean carpet may not add much value, but it removes a potential buyer turnoff.

"It's a quick fix for a big payoff in terms of buyer perception," says Riordan.

New insulation install

New attic insulation is an easy way to lower energy bills and, in an era of rising energy costs, it's a serious selling point.

"It's a bit under the radar, but trust me, energy-conscious buyers love it," says Riordan. "Plus, there are plenty of rebates and incentives for insulation upgrades that make it even more worthwhile."

For instance, taxpayers can take advantage of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit and claim up to 30% of the cost of the insulation itself.

According to Angi, insulation costs start at $498—and the U.S. Department of Energy reports you can save up to 20% on your home’s heating and cooling costs by adding insulation to attics.

"Many buyers ask about utility bills and how efficient the home is," says Myers. "Insulation helps you answer that question with confidence."

Some studies show a return on investment of over 100% when selling a home with a newly insulated attic

"It might not be something buyers see, but they’ll feel the benefits—and that's what counts," says Riordan.

Julie Taylor is a reporter for Realtor.com. She was most recently a writer and co-executive producer on “The Talk” where she won two Daytime Emmy Awards. A member of the Writers Guild of America, Julie has written for Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Redbook magazines and is the author of six books. Julie earned a B.A. in magazine journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma. After two decades in New York City and Los Angeles, she recently relocated to the Midwest.

SOURCE: Realtor