Want to make your home stand out — and sell for top dollar? As a trusted real estate agent, I’ve helped countless homeowners boost their curb appeal and attract serious buyers.
Whether you're planning to sell your home this year or simply want to keep it looking its best, the right small updates can make a huge difference.
Here’s your ultimate guide to 10 simple, value-boosting home updates, plus 7 "don’ts" that can sabotage your sale.
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🟢 10 Easy Dallas Home Updates That Deliver Big Value
🎨 1. Paint Your Front Door a Bold, Fresh Color
Your front door is the first thing buyers see — make it memorable! A new door color adds instant curb appeal for just a few hundred bucks.
✅ Trending Front Door Colors for 2025 (clickable color codes)
🌿 Earthy & Forest Greens
🔵 Moody & Jewel Blues
🔥 Fiery Reds & Terracotta
🌞 Citrus Brights & Mustard Yellows
⚫ Matte Black
❌ Colors to Avoid
Gray — too bland and dated.
White — too stark and high maintenance.
✅ Extra Resource: Real Simple: Front Door Colors That Boost Home Value
⚫️ 2. Add Dark Accent Paint to Trim or Garage Door
On-trend dark trim or garage doors modernize your home instantly. Popular choices include black or deep charcoal, like Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black.
🟤 3. Refresh Decks & Fences with New Stain
A rich wood stain makes decks and fences feel fresh and move-in ready. Try warm browns with charcoal undertones like Burnt Hickory.
💡 4. Upgrade Outdoor Lighting
Soft, warm landscape lighting improves safety and creates a luxury vibe. Smart fixtures (just not overdone) are a nice bonus for buyers.
🌿 5. Quick Landscaping Wins
New mulch, seasonal flowers, and neatly trimmed hedges can boost your home’s perceived value by up to 10%.
🧹 6. Power Wash the Exterior
A $200–$500 power wash can make siding, driveways, and walkways look brand new.
🚪 7. Update House Numbers & Hardware
A quick, budget-friendly upgrade that modernizes your home’s entrance.
🪟 8. Clean or Paint Shutters & Trim
Fresh paint or a thorough clean-up helps your exterior pop without major work.
🪑 9. Create a Welcoming Porch Seating Area
A cozy bench or set of chairs with planters makes buyers feel at home.
🖌 10. Simple Interior Touch-Ups
Fresh neutral paint, new cabinet hardware, and updated outlet covers can go a long way.
❌ 7 Expensive Home Projects to Avoid in Dallas
❌ 1. Converting a Bedroom
Lowers official bedroom count, which hurts resale.
❌ 2. Over-the-Top Bathroom Remodels
Buyers in Lake Highlands don’t typically pay more for spa tubs or saunas.
❌ 3. Solar Panels (If Selling Soon)
If you aren’t staying long-term, these can complicate deals.
❌ 4. High-End Garage Conversions
Buyers want garages for parking and storage — not extra living space.
❌ 5. Trendy Wall Textures or Faux Finishes
They’re hard to remove and date quickly.
❌ 6. Overly Personal Landscaping Features
Fountains, koi ponds, and elaborate gardens often scare buyers off.
❌ 7. Expensive Smart Systems & JellyFish Lighting
While smart thermostats or a few smart lights are great, full-scale home automation or permanent exterior LED systems like JellyFish Lighting don’t bring ROI.
💡 JellyFish Lighting costs ~$4K–$10K, and you can’t take it with you — it’s considered a permanent fixture.
💬 Conclusion: Choose Simple, Smart Updates
You don’t need to overspend to make your home shine. Focus on easy, high-impact updates buyers love — and skip the trendy mistakes that drain your wallet.
Thinking about which updates will give your home the biggest boost? Or planning to sell your home in Dallas or explore nearby homes for sale?
As a local real estate expert who lives and works here, I know exactly what works (and what doesn’t). Call or text me anytime — let’s make your home the standout choice!
🏷️ About Dustin Merritt
With nearly 20 years of experience helping Dallas and Lake Highlands homeowners get top dollar, I specialize in smart, strategic marketing that actually works. I help clients make confident moves that maximize value and minimize stress.
