People who flip homes say these cheap tricks make your home look way better

Everything is fast & DIY-friendly.

People who flip homes say these cheap tricks make your home look way better
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ByJenny White
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People who flip homes have seen it all when it comes to houses — making them a wealth of knowledge on what to do (and what to avoid). We reached out to several home flippers to get the inside scoop on tricks that’ll make your home look way better, inside and out. Everything is fast, DIY-friendly and even friendlier on the budget.

01

Switching out dated cabinet pulls with these expert-recommended ones

Brian Mollo, an investor and home flipper, says, “one thing I think many overlook is cabinet hardware.” He recommends these cabinet pulls made from sturdy metal with an oil-rubbed bronze finish as an inexpensive and simple way to upgrade your bathroom or kitchen. The set includes 10 pulls, though other options can be purchased via the listing.

02

Installing a solid brass handheld bidet that cleans better & saves money

A bidet will give you a more thorough clean, plus it cuts down on toilet paper use. And Mollo favors this particular handheld model because it is “affordable and is extremely easy to install.” Made from stainless steel and brass, the bidet features a 59-inch flexible hose for plenty of reach.

03

Hanging a sleek wall sconce that doubles as a flashlight

Eric Bramlett, a real estate agent and the owner of BramlettResidential.com, says modern light fixtures “can significantly transform the room's ambiance, adding both warmth and sophistication.” They are particularly helpful in the primary bedroom, he adds. This wall-mounted sconce is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery so you can install it yourself without having to mess with wiring. The light also features a magnetic base to pull it down for carrying (like a flashlight) when desired.

04

Putting up battery-operated wall sconces for a chic touch

Sticking with Bramlett’s concept of easy-to-mount lighting in your home, three AAs power each of these battery-operated sconces, so you don’t have to hire a pricey electrician to run wiring. The lights are controlled via remote control — tweak settings like the color temperature and brightness from up to 20 feet away. There’s even a timer setting. This gold and black combo is chic, as is the all-gold option that can be found in the listing.

05

Using a LED table lamp to bring ambiance to any space

Don’t want to install lighting on the walls, but still hoping to add ambiance to various spaces per Bramlett’s suggestion? This LED table lamp will do the trick. It puts out a soft, warm glow that’s positively inviting. And since it’s powered by a built-in battery, you don’t have to worry about placing it near an outlet for it to work. The light will last up to 48 hours on a single charge; recharge it via USB. Pick from various modern finishes in the listing.

06

Clearing floor space with some neutral storage baskets

Bramlett is a proponent of using “baskets or boxes in neutral colours for storage and to clear vital floor space.” Each of these three large beige baskets can accommodate up to 30 pounds of items and the dual rope handles make for easier retrieval when needed. When not in use, the baskets collapse down to almost flat for storage. Other neutrals like dark gray or ivory white can be found in the listing.

07

Reaching for fluted boxes so everything has a designated storage spot

With vintage vibes, these chocolate brown storage boxes will deliver both style and practicality wherever you choose to utilize them — yet, they’re still neutral enough to fit within Bramlett’s parameters for organization. They have fluted detailing on the sides and the leather-like textured lids. The set includes a larger box and two small ones, though a two-pack and other colors can be purchased in the listing.

08

Putting up this texture window film on your front door for added privacy & style

Danny Johnson, a house flipper and the real estate entrepreneur of Danny Buys Houses, recommends installing this 3D reeded privacy film on the windows of your front door for an instant facelift. The film offers a fair amount of privacy, as well as temperature control for the space. It’s straightforward to hang using the adhesive on the back and it can be trimmed to fit.

09

Creating more height in a room with these artificial hanging plants

These artificial hanging plants will “create more height in a room and add great color and warmth,” says Johnson. Each of the six plants comes in a small black pot and the heights range from around 18 to 44 inches. Made from a polyester and plastic blend, the leaves look and feel quite realistic.

10

Upgrading your existing bathroom mirror with these LED lights

A lighted bathroom mirror boosts the vibes of any bathroom and Johnson notes that you can “achieve a similar look using some LED mirror lights that attach to your existing mirror.” This strip is 193 inches in length (though it can be trimmed), and you can adjust the color temperature and brightness to your liking. Hang up the strip using the adhesive backing.

11

Making an accent wall with peel-&-stick wallpaper

“If I had a small budget and needed to make a big impact, I would focus on adding an accent wall,” says Erin Hybart, a realtor and house flipper. Installing this peel-and-stick wallpaper is one way to do that. The floral-print paper has a grid on the back to follow for easier hanging (it can also be repositioned without issue). The roll covers up to 14.5 square feet. Discover other prints in the listing.

12

Creating a focal point with some wainscoting wall panels

Another option for creating a focal wall per Hybart’s idea? Put up wainscot wall panels for a polished look. They’re made from solid polyurethane and they come preassembled for even quicker installation. The panels are primed white, so they can be painted if desired. Pick from various shapes and sizes in the listing.

13

Installing these modern floating numbers to up the curb appeal

Floating house numbers are something so simple and inexpensive that can update the look of your house in minutes,” explains Deba Douglas, the CEO of Douglas Dwellings. Made from sturdy plastic, the black numbers are 8 inches tall to be seen from a distance. A few letter options can also be found in the listing.

14

Swapping out tired porch lights with this fresh pair that can be hung in 2 ways

Douglas is also a fan of upgrading your porch lights as a cheap solution to make your exterior look fresh. She suggests this pair of lights that are built to last with a waterproof, anti-rust, and UV-protective design. They can be installed facing up or down based on your preference. In the listing, you can choose from matte black, gold, or white finishes to match your exterior.

15

Laying down this outdoor rug on your front porch to make a statement

“Another simple yet so easy thing you can do is upgrade your doormat,” shares Douglas. She likes this outdoor rug which is made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and viscose. The black-and-white checkered pattern won’t fade or discolor over time. Use it on its own or layer it with a coordinating doormat. Choose from three sizes in the listing.

16

Painting a fresh coat on your front door for a budget-friendly refresh

Keith Sant, the founder and CEO of Sell My Mobile Home Park, explains that giving your front door a fresh coat of paint instantly ups your curb appeal. He says to go with a bold color or a classic shade like black or navy. He adds that you should opt for specialized door paint “which often has added durability and weather resistance.” This navy door and trim paint can be applied to metal, wood, or fiberglass, and it dries in just 45 minutes.

17

Hanging up monochromatic prints to make a gallery wall

A big piece of artwork can be pricey. Instead, Sant suggests opting for a gallery wall to make a statement without spending nearly as much. “Look for pieces that have a similar color scheme or theme to create a cohesive look,” he adds. This gallery wall set includes 13 prints, all of which incorporate sage green to look put together. Other options can be found in the listing.

18

Or filling wall frames with personal photos & grouping them together

A gallery wall doesn’t have to include just artwork, though. “You can also mix in personal photos or mementos for a more personalized touch,” indicates Sant. These black pictures frames are ideal for this. The set includes two 8- by 10-inch frames, four 5- by 7-inch frames, and four 4- by 6-inch frames that you can fill with all of your favorite shots. Hang them horizontally or vertically. Cloud white, rustic brown, and natural beige picks can also be found in the listing.

19

Placing fresh flowers in ceramic vases to bring the outdoors in

“Bringing nature indoors is a simple way to make your home look better and feel more inviting,” notes Sant. These three vases can hold various fresh flowers — or faux greenery if you don’t have a green thumb — and they’re crafted from ceramic for durability. Spread them throughout your home or group them together for a statement. In the listing, you’ll find various neutral colors like beige, blue, and black.

20

Using a tall glass vase to display greenery, flower, or other plants

Want to really lean into Sant’s suggestion of incorporating greenery into your home? This glass vase is large in size — at almost 10 inches tall with a 5-inch opening — so you can pack it full of flowers or greenery. Made from crystal glass, the vase will reflect light beautifully. And it comes in green, clear, and brown options in the listing.

21

Making a room feel larger by hanging a round mirror

Sant calls a round mirror like this one a best friend for tight spaces. “They reflect light and create the illusion of more space, making a room feel larger and brighter,” he adds. The 15.7-inch pick features a sleek gold metal frame and hanging chain. Three sizes can be purchased in the listing.

22

Arranging some low-cost mirror tiles on the wall to make any space brighter

Don’t want to spend much but still hoping to follow Sant’s idea of utilizing mirrors in your home? These mirror tiles are the sweet spot. For less than $20, the set includes four 14- by 12-inch mirrors that you can group together to create the appearance of one large mirror. They’re simple to install with the double-sided stickers on the back. Other sizes and sets can be purchased via the listing.

23

Placing bamboo dividers in drawers to declutter

“Clutter can make any home look messy and uninviting,” says Sant. To cut down on this, utilize these bamboo dividers to maximize the storage space in drawers throughout your home. The four dividers can be positioned vertically or horizontally, creating smaller sections so everything has a designated spot. A built-in spring holds them securely in place.

24

Sorting your undergarments in some sectioned-off bins for a neat look

Use these drawer dividers in the dresser in your bedroom to organize bras, socks, underwear, and other smaller clothing items. They’re a low-cost way “to keep your belongings neat and tidy,” explains Sant. Each of the four fabric organizers is slightly different with 24, eight, seven, or six individual sections. When not in use, they fold up for storage.

25

Upgrading to a rainfall showerhead for a luxurious feel

Sant recommends upgrading the showerhead in your bathroom to a high-pressure rain model “for a more luxurious and refreshing feel.” It’ll connect to any standard shower arm — no tools are required for installation — and once in place, the 90 jets will give you a spa-like bathing experience. There are a myriad of colors, sizes, and shapes of showerheads to pick from in the listing.

26

Hanging decorative items on walls with no-damage hooks

Whether you rent or simply don’t want to put holes in your walls, Sant refers to these Command hooks as a lifesaver. He suggests using them to “hold up lightweight decor, such as frames or wall art, without causing damage.” The set includes 16 wire hooks (each of which can support up to half a pound), plus 24 adhesive strips for hanging.

27

Displaying small decor on some ledges that don’t require holes in your wall

It’s not just hanging hooks that are available: These display ledges utilize the same damage-free hanging strips as the previous product (keeping with Sant’s suggestion), so you can put them up on indoor surfaces like painted walls, glass, tile, metal, and more without fear. The two ledges can each hold up to two pounds — they’re ideal for smaller decor items.

28

Tossing your old bath towels & replacing them with a coordinating cotton set

Don’t underestimate the power of changing out worn bath towels. This can “give your bathroom a luxurious touch,” explains Sant. All of the towels in this eight-piece set are made from 100% cotton, making them soft and absorbent. Various prints, colors, and sets can be purchased via the listing.

29

And placing a plush mat down in a matching shade

Continuing with the bathroom upgrade theme, “you can also add a bath mat in a complementary color [to your towels] to tie the whole look together,” indicates Sant. This bath mat is filled with memory foam that’s cushiony and comfy, and the velvet cover delivers a high-end feel. The PVC dots on the back stop it from sliding around, even when wet. This pick is machine washable. Many colors and sizes can be found in the listing.

30

Installing some blackout curtains strategically to make a room seem bigger

These blackout curtains will block out harsh light, reduce unwanted noise, and provide insulation against extreme temperatures. However, according to Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant, the trick to hanging them is to put the curtain rod about 6 inches below the ceiling (despite the height of the windows). “Doing this creates an illusion of the room being taller than it actually is, which, in turn, makes the entire room seem bigger,” he adds.

31

Grabbing a painting kit to get pro-level results

One hack from Ryan David, the owner and lead investor of We Buy Houses, is to “experiment by painting areas you didn't think were paintable.” He recounted painting over vintage marlite walls (a decorative tileboard) with success. For all of your painting jobs, you’ll need this comprehensive painting supplies set. It includes a tray, a 9-inch roller frame and 4-inch roller frame, four roller covers, a paintbrush, and a high-density foam brush.

32

Freshening up your walls with a coat of semi-gloss paint

Real estate investor and the owner of Best Texas House Buyers, LLC Mark Severino explains that a “fresh coat of paint combined with the right kind of light bulb (color temperature makes a huge difference) [...] can make any room in any home remarkable!” For the paint part of that equation, this interior paint and primer combo is a solid option, offering smooth application, high coverage, and a semi-gloss finish. The one-gallon can covers up to 350 square feet. Pick from a range of neutrals in the listing.

33

Refreshing shutters & more with this long-lasting spray paint

David recommends this spray paint for outdoor jobs, recently using it himself on faded window shutters. “The painted shutters turned out looking as sharp, if not better [than] brand new ones,” he notes. The paint can be used on various surfaces — including wood, plastic, plaster, metal, masonry, and unglazed ceramic — and the oil-based formulation will last a long time without getting chipped or damaged. Choose from more than 100 color and finish options in the listing.

34

Utilizing soft white light bulbs that are reminiscent of daylight

As for the lighting component of Severino’s above recommendation, these dimmable LED light bulbs put out a soft white glow that’s similar to natural sunlight (though other options can be chosen via the listing). Each of the bulbs can last for 13-plus years based on three hours of use per day. The set includes six light bulbs.

35

Attaching magnetic accent pieces to your garage door for a modern upgrade

Not in love with the look of your garage door? Jeremy R. Prunty, the CEO of Bronte Companies Property Solutions, calls these magnetic garage accents a simple, good-value fix. “As the garage door is typically right next to the front door, it just adds to the initial curb appeal,” he says. The set includes six pieces total, including two faux handles and four faux hinges in modern black.

36

Hanging an artificial wreath on your front door to invite in guests

Remember: The front door is the first impression someone will get of your home, explains Prunty. To make it more inviting, hang up this artificial eucalyptus wreath sign that literally welcomes guests. It’s made from a combination of silk, foam, and wood, and it’s about 20 inches in diameter.

37

Or personalizing your front door with a monogrammed welcome sign

For a more personalized addition to your front door (following Prunty’s recommendation), go with this monogrammed welcome sign. It’s made from heavy-duty iron with a powder-coated finish that makes it rustproof, fade resistant, and waterproof. The sign is 12 inches in diameter — hang it alone or pair it with a wreath for an extra element.

38

Covering up an ugly doorbell chime with a wooden box

A dated doorbell chime can be a bit of an eyesore, but this wooden cover will transform it. It “can really add some pizzazz to a once boring wall,” shares Prunty. Two designs can be found in the listing based on what works best for your space — this includes this tropical-inspired pick or a scrollwork option. Either way, the cover is straightforward to hang.

39

Cleaning hard-to-reach exterior spots with a expandable brush

Kurt Carlton, the president and co-founder of New Western, stresses the importance of keeping the exterior of your home in top shape. This scrubber brush has an adjustable handle (that can reach up to 60 inches in length) to easily clean siding, windows, and otherwise hard-to-reach spots. The brush head is soft enough to not cause any damage.

40

Wiping down your windows for a clean facade

Sticking with Carlton’s suggestion of “maintaining a clean façade,” this window cleaning kit is the simplest way to get your windows clean. Pair the waffle-weave cloth with water to get rid of dirt, debris, and other grime, then follow up with the smooth polishing cloth to eliminate streaks. Both cloths are machine washable, so you can reuse them over and over.