If you’re looking to sell your home, there are some practical things you can do to make the process faster. Just a few upgrades can attract buyers and land you a sale at a significantly higher price, which will make you forget about the hassle and upfront costs of renovations. Here are some essential home projects that will raise the resale value of your home and help you sell it more quickly.

Update the Kitchen

No room in the house has more potential to attract buyers than the kitchen. Before you make any decisions on design, it can help to speak to real estate professionals who know what buyers in your neighborhood are looking for (i.e. layout, color schemes, appliance brands, etc.). Keep the style and colors simple and go with neutral countertops, cabinets, floors, and appliances that will blend in with many styles.

If your kitchen feels a little stuffy and you have the budget for it, it’s a good idea to open the space, because most buyers want an open floor plan in their kitchen. Finally, install granite countertops if you haven’t already. You can usually find good deals on first-tier granite, and it will instantly add quality and appeal to your kitchen.

Renovate the Bathroom

Updating your bathroom is another great way to add value to your home. If you have multiple bathrooms and can only fix one, focus on the master bath. First, get rid of any outdated wall and ceiling textures; not only do they look bad, but they can give buyers the impression that the bathroom has not been well-maintained. Pick out an affordable tile. Similar to how granite can add quality and appeal to your kitchen, so it is with tile in the bathroom. Also, putting in a nice-looking mirror and light fixtures can transform the feel of your bathroom. If you want to go the extra mile, look for ways to open up the space while providing more storage.

Change Out the Floors

If you have carpet in the house, replacing it with hardwood flooring will add thousands to your resale value. However, you don’t have to go the most expensive route to get floors that add value and look great. Porcelain tile is an option, and many middle-class homes put in laminate flooring because it’s a fraction of the cost of hardwood, yet it’s durable and looks great.

Install Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are the way to go. Not only are they affordable, but they are energy-efficient and can be built for any size of opening. Also, they require minimal upkeep and never need repainted. For the money, changing out old wooden windows for vinyl is one of the best things you can do for resale. Consider getting them custom-made to improve the appearance of your rooms or open them up to views to the outdoors.

Selling Your Home

When it’s time to sell your home, you should first hire the best listing agent you can find. Look for referrals from people, interview a few different agents, and check their recent experience in the market. An agent will help you with several critical tasks, such as setting a competitive price and deciding when is the best time to sell—which varies depending on the region and market. No matter what style or size of home you’re selling, it’s important to deep clean and stage it to sell. If you have pets, make it look like you don’t. Having professional photos taken and promoting your house online can also make a big difference in the selling process.

There are several things that can help your house sell more quickly. Some of the most essential projects to tackle are updating your kitchen, remodeling the bathroom, changing the floors, and installing vinyl windows. Remember to hire a listing agent and to follow the other tips for selling your home, and you’ll be on the fast track to selling your home at a higher price.