10 Low-Cost Upgrades To Sell Faster In Lancaster

Want to sell your home faster in Lancaster? These 10 low-cost upgrades can help you attract buyers and increase your home's value without overspending.

Declutter and Deep Clean: A clean, clutter-free home sells faster. Spend $0.15-$0.25 per sq. ft. or declutter yourself to boost first impressions.
Neutral Paint Colors: Freshen up walls with popular shades like Agreeable Gray or Simply White for $200-$400 per room.
Replace Light Fixtures: Update key lighting areas like kitchens and entryways with stylish, affordable options starting at $50.
Basic Landscaping: Trim bushes, add mulch, and plant native flowers for $3-$50 to improve curb appeal.
Upgrade the Front Door: Repaint or replace hardware for $50-$150 to create a welcoming entryway.
Fix Exterior Issues: Repair cracks, gutters, and siding for $20-$300 to address buyer concerns.
Clean or Repair Floors: Recoat hardwood, clean carpets, or refresh tiles for $50-$400 to make interiors shine.
Update Kitchen Hardware: Swap cabinet knobs and pulls for $2-$20 each to modernize the kitchen.
Bathroom Details: Refresh grout, fixtures, and mirrors for under $500 to make bathrooms more appealing.
Install a Smart Thermostat: Add energy-efficient options like Nest or Ecobee for $100-$250 to attract tech-savvy buyers.

These affordable updates can help your home stand out in Lancaster's competitive market, reduce listing time, and even increase sale prices by thousands. Start with the upgrades that fit your budget and timeline to maximize your home's appeal.

5 Simple Renovations To Increase Your Homes Value Before Selling

1. Clean and Remove Clutter

Deep cleaning and decluttering are some of the simplest ways to boost a home's value in Lancaster. Homes with clutter tend to attract lower offers and stay on the market longer ^[6]. Clearing out unnecessary items creates a clean slate for further upgrades.

Focus on Key Areas:

Kitchen: Clear countertops of extra appliances.
Entryways: Make these spaces feel open and inviting.
Closets: Leave about 30% of the shelves empty to highlight storage potential.
Basement: Get rid of accumulated items to show off the space.

Hiring a professional cleaning service in Lancaster typically costs $0.15-$0.25 per square foot and can lead to offers that are 1-3% higher ^[7]. If you’re doing it yourself, plan to spend 40+ hours to get everything in order.

Where to Take Unwanted Items in Lancaster:

Habitat ReStore (2301 Harrisburg Pike) ^[8]
County bulk pickup (around $25 per item)
Community Aid’s free drop-off locations ^[8]

Timing Is Key: Complete all cleaning and decluttering at least two weeks before listing your home. This gives you time to schedule professional photography and staging. Consider renting local storage for $50-$100 per month to store seasonal or extra items ^[7].

Remove personal touches like family photos to help potential buyers picture themselves living in the home ^[9]. Once the space is clean and clutter-free, it’s ready for visual upgrades to make it even more appealing.

2. Paint Walls in Neutral Colors

Once you've decluttered, a coat of neutral paint can make a huge difference. It creates a clean, inviting look that appeals to most buyers - 82% of Lancaster buyers, to be exact ^[3]. Central PA Realty's 2024 market data shows that homes with neutral walls sell 15% faster than those with bold colors ^[11]. The best part? Painting is a budget-friendly upgrade, typically costing $200-400 per room if you do it yourself.

Popular Neutral Paint Choices in Lancaster

Benjamin Moore's Edgecomb Gray: Perfect for historic homes.
Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray: A great pick for living areas.
White Dove: Ideal for kitchens.

For north-facing rooms, warm beiges like Accessible Beige can add a touch of coziness.

Tips to Save Money

Focus your painting efforts on high-traffic, visible areas first. Local stores like Shultz's Hardware often sell discounted paint batches in popular neutral shades, letting you save 40-60% off retail prices ^[10]. Opt for an eggshell finish - it hides imperfections better than flat paint and stands up to wear ^[3].

Why It Matters for Listing Photos

Using a shade like Benjamin Moore's Simply White (OC-117) can brighten your listing photos, making your home stand out online ^[11]. This trick works especially well when paired with modern lighting, which we'll cover next.

Mistakes to Watch Out For

Avoid cool grays in historic homes - they clash with the character.
Don’t skip repairing damaged trim or covering moisture issues before painting.
Flat finishes may be tempting but show wear more easily.

If DIY isn’t your thing, Lancaster ProPainters offers professional services for $1.50-$3.50 per square foot ^[10]. For those taking the DIY route, all-in-one primer and paint can save time and deliver great coverage in just one coat ^[3].

3. Replace Old Light Fixtures

Outdated light fixtures can hurt your home's appeal, especially in Lancaster's competitive market. According to HomeLight's 2024 seller data, 63% of agents say poor lighting can lower offer prices ^[1]. Swapping old fixtures for updated ones is a simple way to boost your home's look without a huge investment. Plus, it pairs perfectly with neutral wall colors to attract more buyers.

Key Areas to Update

Focus on these high-visibility spots that, according to Central PA Realty's research, grab 82% of buyer attention:

Entryway ceiling lights (sets the tone for first impressions)
Kitchen pendant lights, particularly over islands
Bathroom vanity lighting

Affordable Fixture Options

You don’t need to spend a fortune to find stylish fixtures. Building Surplus Outlet on Columbia Ave offers overstock options at 40-60% off retail prices ^[12]. For historic homes, oil-rubbed bronze semi-flush mounts ($89-$129) work well with traditional designs. If you’re updating a modern ranch, consider matte black track lighting ($119) ^[12].

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

For a more cost-conscious approach, check out Second Chance Restoration Co. in East Pete for refurbished vintage fixtures that maintain your home's character. Habitat Restore stores in the area also stock quality secondhand options, often under $50 ^[12]. To get the most value, consider:

Adding dimmer switches (around $25 each)
Using daylight LEDs for a brighter, cleaner look
Installing motion-activated porch lights for added convenience

DIY or Professional Installation?

If you’re tackling installation yourself, make sure to use voltage testers (about $15), match wire colors correctly, and secure mounting boxes tightly. Keep in mind that Lancaster County requires licensed electricians for any new circuit work ^[14].

Boosting Your Sale Timeline

Upgraded lighting can help your home sell 23% faster, with 68% of homes receiving offers within the first two weeks ^[1]^[14]. This is similar to the advantages seen with fresh paint.

What to Avoid

Choosing fixtures too large for the room
Mixing too many different metal finishes throughout the house
Opting for trendy designs that don’t match your home’s overall style ^[12]^[13]

While local electricians typically charge $150-$250 per fixture, the investment often pays off when paired with other updates like neutral paint. It’s a straightforward way to make your home more appealing to buyers.

4. Improve Basic Landscaping

In Lancaster, homes with basic landscaping tend to sell 18% faster ^[3]. Enhancing your home's exterior not only builds on the exterior repairs mentioned in Section 6 but also creates a stronger emotional connection with potential buyers.

Simple, Budget-Friendly Upgrades

Here are a few low-cost ways to make a big impact:

Edging walkways: Free if you do it yourself.
Fresh mulch: Costs between $3-$6 per bag.
Trimming overgrown bushes: Tools are affordable, often under $50.
Solar path lights: A 6-pack costs around $25-$50.

Go Local with Native Plants

Just like neutral paint colors in Section 2, native plants appeal to a wide range of buyers. Plus, they thrive in Lancaster’s climate:

Black-eyed Susans: $8 per plant.
Pennsylvania Sedge: $12 per clump.
Hydrangeas: $25-$35 per plant.

Local spots like Stauffers of Kissel Hill offer these plants for $10-$20 each, making it easy to create a beautiful, low-maintenance yard.

Professional Landscaping Help

Central PA Realty has teamed up with Grow AV Landscaping to offer $500 packages. These include services like mulch refreshes and container garden installations - perfect for boosting curb appeal without breaking the bank.

Seasonal Landscaping Tips

Tailor your landscaping to the season:

Summer: Add shade with patio umbrellas (about $80).
Winter: Plant evergreen shrubs for year-round greenery.
Year-round: Trim overhanging branches, which costs $150-$300.

Quick Updates for Vacant Homes

If the property is unoccupied, here are a few fast fixes:

Timed sprinklers: Around $35.
Potted hydrangeas: About $40 each.
Regular lawn care: Keeps the property looking fresh.

What to Skip

Avoid high-maintenance features like water fountains. Instead, focus on clean, simple designs. Stone borders, for example, work well with both modern and classic styles while requiring minimal upkeep.

5. Update Your Front Door

A well-kept entryway can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells. According to 94% of realtors, an attractive front door plays a key role in drawing in potential buyers ^[4]. Paired with landscaping improvements from Section 4, a welcoming front door creates a strong first impression.

Affordable Door Improvements

You don’t have to replace your entire door to make an impact. These smaller updates can deliver noticeable results:

Fresh Paint: Pick colors that match Lancaster’s architectural styles:

Deep green or burgundy for older, historic areas
Navy blue or slate gray for more traditional homes
Sleek black for suburban properties

Like the lighting ideas in Section 3, a good exterior paint job costs between $50-$150 and can completely refresh your entryway ^[4].

New Hardware: Swapping outdated hardware is another budget-friendly way to upgrade. Consider matte-black handles ($35-$50), brass knockers ($20-$30), or modern house numbers ($15-$25) ^[16].

Keep the Weather in Mind

Adding weatherstripping for $10-$30 can help combat Pennsylvania’s chilly winters while also showcasing your home’s energy efficiency ^[15].

When to Call in the Pros

Most of these updates are easy to handle yourself, but for issues like:

Warped doors
Damaged frames
Alignment problems

it’s best to hire a professional.

Simple Maintenance Tips

Keep your front door looking great with regular upkeep:

Clean glass weekly
Lubricate hinges monthly
Touch up paint as needed
Wipe down surfaces after rain ^[15]

For locally sourced materials, check out Shultz’s Hardware for period-appropriate fixtures or Benjamin Moore retailers for paints suited to the local climate ^[4].

"Minor front door updates achieve similar results to full replacements at 10-20% of the cost" ^[2]

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6. Fix Visible Exterior Issues

Lancaster data shows that fixing exterior flaws can reduce selling time by 23% ^[1]. Once your front door is taken care of, it's time to tackle other visible issues outside your home.

Key Repairs to Address

A simple $30-$50 gallon of exterior paint can cover up various imperfections. For the best results, apply it on dry days when temperatures are between 50°F and 85°F ^[17]. For walkways and driveways, fix hairline cracks with a concrete patching compound ($20-$40 per kit). If you have uneven slabs, professional grinding is the way to go, costing around $150-$300 ^[10]^[18].

Weather-Appropriate Materials

Choose materials that hold up well in Lancaster's climate without breaking the bank:

Pressure-treated pine ($1.50-$3/ft): Great for trimming repairs.
Vinyl cement board ($20-$40/sheet): Ideal for siding patches.
Rubberized sealant ($20/tube): Handles foundation cracks effectively.

Gutter and Drainage Fixes

Proper drainage is a must for homes in Lancaster. Replace damaged gutter sections with pre-cut aluminum pieces ($8-$12 per 10ft) ^[17]. Add splash blocks ($10-$15 each) to direct water away from your foundation, which is a common concern flagged during home inspections ^[18].

Roof Touch-Ups

Take care of your roof by replacing individual shingles ($2-$5 each), painting over exposed nails, and clearing away debris. Local contractor data shows these simple fixes address 78% of buyer concerns about roofs ^[20].

Should You DIY or Call a Pro?

Many of these exterior fixes are doable on your own. However, for electrical issues like repairing a loose meter box, it's safer to hire a professional, which typically costs $150-$300 ^[19].

Once the exterior looks inviting, it's time to focus on the interior, starting with the floors, to ensure the inside matches the polished outside.

7. Clean or Repair Floors

Once you've tackled exterior repairs, it's time to move indoors. Floors play a big role in shaping buyer impressions - 94% of Realtors emphasize the importance of clean floors, according to NAR data. With some smart updates, you can make a strong impact without breaking the bank on a full replacement.

Hardwood Floor Fixes

If your home has hardwood floors, you can restore their charm with a few affordable options:

Screen-and-recoat treatment: For $300-$400 per 1,000 sq ft, this process removes surface scratches while keeping the original finish intact ^[12]^[4].
Spot repairs: Rent an orbital sander for around $75 and spend about $50 on materials to fix specific areas.
Use wood filler pens ($15-$25) to hide small gaps or nail holes.

Refreshing Carpets

Replacing old carpets can be pricey, but you can explore these budget-friendly alternatives instead:

Method	Cost Range	Best For
Professional Steam Cleaning	$150-$300	Deep stains
Carpet Dyeing	$50-$75	Faded or discolored areas
Area Rug Placement	$100-$200	Covering damaged spots

If pet odors are an issue, consider an ozone treatment, which costs $200-$400, as suggested by Home One Services ^[4].

Tile and Grout Updates

Regrouting is a high-value upgrade, with Remodeling Magazine noting a 98% cost recovery ^[12]. DIY regrouting costs about $0.50 per square foot, while hiring a professional runs $2-$3 per square foot. Focus on areas like kitchen backsplashes or shower surrounds to maximize results.

Modernizing Vinyl Floors

For outdated vinyl flooring, these options can give a fresh look:

Luxury vinyl tile overlays: $1.50-$3 per square foot installed.
Edge trim replacement: Around $0.50 per linear foot.
Patterned adhesive films: $0.75-$1.25 per square foot.

Timing Matters

Plan your flooring updates wisely. Aim to finish 2-3 weeks before listing, as MLS data shows homes with recent upgrades sell 17 days faster ^[21]^[4]. Schedule professional cleaning 48 hours before taking listing photos to ensure your floors shine in the images.

8. Update Kitchen Hardware

Once you've taken care of the floors (Section 7), it's time to focus on kitchen hardware. Updating cabinet hardware can make a big impact, offering Lancaster sellers over 300% ROI by speeding up sales ^[3]^[4]. This upgrade is cost-effective and delivers results similar to updated lighting (Section 3).

Choosing Hardware That Matches Your Home's Style

Here’s a quick guide to picking the right hardware based on your home's style:

Home Style	Recommended Hardware	Local Source Example
Colonial	Cup pulls with bin handles	Rehab Warehouse
Farmhouse	Satin brass bar pulls	Stoltzfus ReSupplies
Suburban Ranch	Satin nickel knobs	Building Character
Historic	Wrought iron pulls	Rehab Warehouse

Where to Find Affordable Hardware in Lancaster

Lancaster has plenty of budget-friendly spots for quality hardware:

Rehab Warehouse (Columbia Avenue): Great for vintage pieces under $2, ideal for historic homes.
Stoltzfus ReSupplies (Intercourse): Offers locally crafted, Amish-made hardware.
Building Character (North Queen Street): Specializes in unique, reclaimed options.

Tips for Professional and DIY Installation

For professional installation, expect to pay $15-$20 per door. Consider hiring a pro for:

Cabinets with thin surfaces that need precise drilling.
Non-standard measurements in historic homes.
Glass-front cabinets requiring extra care.

Prefer DIY? Stop by Harbor Freight (Lincoln Highway East) for a $5 alignment template. To avoid damaging cabinets, wrap your drill bit with masking tape at a depth of 1-1/4" ^[2].

Picking the Right Finish

Local trends show satin brass gaining popularity downtown, with an 18% rise in demand, while oil-rubbed bronze remains a favorite in the suburbs ^[3]. Also, 92% of buyers prefer consistent finishes throughout the kitchen ^[2]. Matching finishes create a cohesive look, just like the approach to lighting discussed in Section 3.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Don’t mix multiple finishes in the same kitchen.
Skip overly trendy finishes like rose gold, which may limit buyer appeal.
Make sure there are no visible holes from old hardware.
Avoid ultra-modern designs - stick with timeless options, much like neutral paint colors (Section 2).

9. Fix Bathroom Details

Homes in Lancaster with updated bathroom details sell 22% faster than those without improvements, according to recent data ^[21]. These upgrades complement kitchen enhancements and address buyers' desire for functional, appealing bathrooms.

Budget-Friendly Updates Under $500

Small bathroom updates can make a big difference without breaking the bank. Here are some cost-effective fixes:

Update	Cost Range
Tile & Grout Refresh	$2-3/ft (DIY)
New Towel Bars/TP Holders	$40-80
Oversized Mirror	$50-150
Cabinet Refinishing Kit	$75

When to DIY and When to Call a Pro

Timing and skill level matter when deciding between DIY and professional help. While DIY is perfect for cosmetic tweaks, certain tasks are best left to experts. For example, plumbing repairs in Pennsylvania typically cost $150-$350 ^[22]. Similar to the advice in Section 3 about electrical work, prioritize safety over savings for complex jobs. Hire licensed contractors for:

Electrical fixture upgrades requiring permits
Persistent plumbing issues
Structural tile repairs
Complex shower door installations

Choosing Colors and Styles

Brushed nickel fixtures remain a top choice, with 73% of buyers favoring neutral tones ^[22]. Keeping it simple and classic appeals to the majority.

Maximizing Space in Small Bathrooms

In Lancaster's historic row homes, space is often limited. Clear glass shower doors ($200-$400) can make a bathroom feel larger and more open ^[21].

Water Efficiency: A Key Selling Point

Water efficiency is a priority for 62% of buyers in Lancaster ^[22]. Installing a Niagara Conservation 0.8 GPF toilet ($220) not only attracts buyers but may also qualify for Pennsylvania water conservation rebates.

A Quick Success Story

On Millcross Road, a home sold in just 4 days after $500 in bathroom updates - far faster than the area's 38-day average ^[21]. Allocating $500-$750 of a $5,000 upgrade budget to bathroom improvements can speed up your sale timeline while preserving your home's Lancaster charm. This aligns with the ROI principle discussed earlier, showing how small investments in bathrooms can deliver big results.

10. Add a Modern Thermostat

Once you've tackled bathroom updates, it's time to think about energy efficiency. A modern thermostat is a sought-after feature, with 63% of Lancaster buyers looking for it ^[2]. This upgrade is budget-friendly, typically costing between $100 and $250, and offers a great return on investment.

Smart Thermostat Options and Costs

Model	Price	Key Features
Nest Learning	$129	Auto-scheduling, smartphone control
Ecobee SmartThermostat	$169	Remote sensors, voice control
Installation (Professional)	$199	By Home One Services

Energy Savings That Buyers Love

According to the EPA, programmable thermostats can cut heating and cooling costs by 10% annually. For Pennsylvania homeowners, this means an average savings of about $83 per year ^[2]. These savings are especially attractive to buyers in Lancaster.

Why Consider Professional Installation?

While you can install a smart thermostat yourself, professional installation ensures everything is done right. Starting at $199, professional services often include:

Checking system compatibility
Installing the thermostat at the correct height (48–52 inches for ADA compliance)
Setting up WiFi connectivity
Providing a quick tutorial on basic programming

How This Impacts the Market

Smart thermostats are a game-changer in Lancaster's real estate market. Homes with this feature sell 11 days faster than similar listings ^[16]. For example, a property on Millcross Road received three offers within 48 hours, thanks in part to its Nest thermostat ^[9].

Tips for Showcasing Your Thermostat:

Reset it to factory settings and leave the user manual in plain sight
Highlight "Smart Climate Control" in your listing description
Show off smartphone connectivity during open houses

With 41% of Lancaster buyers under 40 actively seeking smart home features ^[2]^[9], adding a modern thermostat can make your home stand out. Pair this upgrade with other energy-efficient improvements to position your property as a top choice in Lancaster's competitive market.

Conclusion

Making these 10 upgrades - from a simple coat of paint to installing smart thermostats - can greatly increase the appeal of your property. According to Lancaster MLS data, these changes add real value in the competitive real estate market.

In Lancaster's market, thoughtful improvements can make a noticeable difference. Updates like fresh paint and modern fixtures often yield strong returns ^[5], while exterior enhancements help homes grab attention ^[4]. Energy-saving upgrades, such as smart thermostats and weatherproofing, also tend to boost sale prices ^[2].

For the best results, consider teaming up with Central PA Realty. Their 24-hour cash offer system gives sellers the flexibility to enhance their home's value while still having the option for a quick sale.

Focus on upgrades that deliver the most impact for the cost and align with what Lancaster buyers are looking for. Central PA Realty has found that homes with these improvements not only sell faster but also sometimes receive competitive cash offers within just 24 hours.

FAQs

How to add 60 percent value to your home?

If you're looking to boost your home's value, a strategic approach is key. Use a combination of upgrades to get the best results. Prioritize painting, energy-saving features, and curb appeal - data from Lancaster confirms these deliver the highest returns.

Paint Choices Matter
Neutral paint colors are a safe bet. According to local market data, homes with the right color choices see offer prices rise by 2.3% ^[21]. For tips on choosing the right palette, check out Section 2.

Energy-Saving Upgrades
Buyers love energy-efficient features like LED lighting and programmable thermostats. Realtor.com reports these upgrades increase buyer interest by 38% ^[4]. They’re practical, cost-effective, and attractive to budget-conscious shoppers.

Smart Combinations
Pairing updates can amplify your results. For example, a front door refresh (see Section 5) combined with basic landscaping (Section 4) creates a strong first impression. Similarly, updating kitchen hardware (Section 8) alongside bathroom improvements (Section 9) ensures a cohesive look.

Quick Tips for Adding Value

Focus on upgrades that fit your home's price range.
Choose improvements that enhance functionality and appeal to a wide audience.
Keep design elements consistent throughout the home.

What to Avoid
Stay away from high-end finishes that don’t match your home’s price point or architectural style. In Lancaster’s market, trendy upgrades can sometimes hurt your home’s value instead of helping ^[1].

The secret to success lies in understanding what local buyers want. Select updates that work harmoniously to create a polished, inviting package that stands out to potential buyers ^[4].