Projects you can do for under $300 that buyers always notice

When you’re trying to make your home stand out to buyers, it doesn’t take a massive remodel or a big budget. The truth is, most buyers notice the smaller updates—the kind that make a space look clean, current, and well cared for.

You can do plenty of projects under $300 that change how your house feels the moment someone walks through the door. Here’s where to start if you want your home to leave a better first impression without spending thousands.

Paint the Front Door

A freshly painted front door makes a bigger difference than you’d think. It’s one of the first things buyers see, and it instantly signals that the home has been maintained. Go for a timeless color like black, navy, or deep green—they tend to appeal to more people and photograph well for listings.

You can do this project in a weekend for less than $50 with quality exterior paint and a few supplies. Even if the rest of your exterior needs work, a crisp, clean door can shift the whole first impression in your favor.

Upgrade Light Fixtures

Swapping out old light fixtures can completely modernize a space. Dining rooms, entryways, and hallways are especially worth updating since those are areas buyers immediately notice. Stick with warm, neutral finishes like black, brushed nickel, or brass for a clean, current look.

Many stylish fixtures now cost under $100 at places like Home Depot or Amazon. Installing them yourself takes less than an hour, and the change instantly makes the home feel newer and more intentional.

Replace Old Hardware

Worn-out cabinet pulls, doorknobs, and hinges can make even a clean home feel dated. Luckily, new hardware is an easy and affordable fix. Updating kitchen and bathroom hardware gives those spaces an instant refresh without touching the cabinetry.

For under $300, you can upgrade nearly every handle in your home if you shop smart. It’s a subtle change that adds up visually, especially when paired with fresh paint or cleaner lighting.

Add Fresh Landscaping

Curb appeal sets the tone for everything else. Simple landscaping—like fresh mulch, trimmed hedges, and seasonal flowers—makes your home look loved. You don’t need to redo your entire yard to impress buyers; even tidying up can go a long way.

A few bags of mulch and a flat of flowers usually stay well under $100. It’s also one of those updates that photographs beautifully for listings, which can make your home stand out online.

Update the Backsplash

A new backsplash can change the whole look of your kitchen without touching the cabinets or counters. Peel-and-stick tiles make this project both affordable and renter-friendly, and they’ve come a long way in quality and durability.

For around $150–$200, you can redo the backsplash in most kitchens in a single afternoon. Go for classic subway tile or something with a subtle texture to make the space feel clean and high-end.

Paint Baseboards and Trim

Baseboards and trim collect dust and scuffs over time, which can make your home feel worn out even when it’s clean. A fresh coat of bright white paint can bring back that crisp, finished look buyers love.

You can do a whole house’s worth of trim for under $100 if you already have the brushes and tape. The payoff is huge—suddenly the walls, floors, and doors all look newer, even if nothing else has changed.

Replace an Old Faucet

An outdated or leaky faucet instantly dates a kitchen or bathroom. Replacing it with a modern one can make the entire sink area look upgraded. Matte black or brushed nickel finishes tend to look clean and stylish without being trendy.

Most quality faucets range from $80 to $150, and you can usually install one yourself with basic tools. It’s one of those quick fixes that instantly elevates a space and gives buyers the sense that the home has been cared for.

Add Window Treatments

Bare or mismatched blinds make a room feel unfinished. Swapping in uniform curtains or shades gives everything a more polished look. Linen-style panels, bamboo shades, or even simple white curtains all work well to make a space look balanced and intentional.

You can update an entire room’s windows for under $200 if you shop at Target or IKEA. It’s a small change that makes every photo—and every showing—feel warmer and more cohesive.

Install a New Mailbox

Mailboxes are often overlooked, but buyers notice them the moment they pull up. A new, well-mounted mailbox adds character and tells people that the house is maintained down to the details.

You can find sturdy, attractive mailboxes for $50–$100, and installation usually takes less than an hour. Pair it with a few potted plants or a fresh house number, and the front of your home suddenly looks more pulled together.

Add a Statement Mirror

Mirrors add light, make rooms feel bigger, and serve as a focal point in entryways, bathrooms, or bedrooms. A well-placed statement mirror can make a smaller space look much more open and styled.
HomeGoods, Target, and even Amazon have large decorative mirrors under $100.

Hanging one in a smart spot—like above a console or across from a window—creates the kind of visual interest buyers associate with higher-end homes.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.