Mahoney Knows Homes: 5 budget-friendly, DIY ways to boost your home’s value (and confidence) in 2025

“Mahoney Knows Homes” is the Gazette’s newest real estate column. Author Jack Mahoney is a realtor in Kingston Springs who is driven by a mission to deliver top-tier service, trusted market insight and meaningful value to the community he calls home.

“The joys of homeownership.”

It all begins with a Saturday morning cup of coffee and a burst of DIY confidence, inspired by a YouTube video or by the motivation to finally tackle that home project that’s been swirling around your mind for weeks.

Six hours and three Home Depot trips later, you’re muttering the above phrase to an uninterested cashier during what you swear is your last trip of the day, while simultaneously googling plumbers who answer calls on Saturday evenings.

Well folks, if that tale sounds familiar, this article may be for you. In 2025, buyers are picky. Homes are sitting longer, and inventory is higher than we’ve seen in years. As a seller, you may feel pressure to tackle projects, but maybe you don’t know where to start, don’t have the time or don’t want to pour money into updates just to sell.

In the list below I am sharing five items that can likely be done by your average DIY’er that will make a positive impact on your home’s value and curb appeal, and that will have you staring at your work with pride and showing it off to your significant other or any neighbor that happens to be walking by!

1. Put a new face on your front door

Think of your front door as the handshake before a conversation, this is one of the first things buyers notice while touring your home. Replacing an old door with a steel or fiberglass one is one of the highest-ROI projects out there. Not only does it make your home look sharper from the curb, but it also adds energy efficiency. For about $600–$1,200, you can get back nearly every dollar when you sell.

2. Paint it neutral (but not boring)

You’d be amazed how far a can of paint can go. Fresh, neutral tones of gray, greiges, or soft beiges help buyers imagine themselves in the space without distraction. Want a quick win? Paint your new front door a navy blue or classic black. Zillow reports that homes with these shades often sell faster and for more.

3. Swap the small stuff (hardware & lights)

Sometimes it’s the details that make a home feel dated. Out with the shiny brass knobs from 1994, in with matte black, brushed nickel or even modern gold finishes. The same goes for lighting. A new fixture in the kitchen or bathroom instantly makes the space feel refreshed. This could cost as little as a few dollars per cabinet pull and have an impact of thousands in perceived value.

4. Add a touch of “smart”

Buyers in 2025 love a home that feels efficient and forward-thinking. Installing a smart thermostat costs less than a nice dinner out, but tells buyers the home is energy-conscious and easy to live in. Add LED lighting (especially under cabinets) and you’ve got another upgrade that screams “modern living” without screaming at your wallet.

5. Curb appeal!

You don’t get a second chance at a first impression. Trim the bushes, throw down fresh mulch, pressure wash the driveway and add a few colorful plants by the entryway. Depending on how much you do, it can be one of the cheapest projects on the list, but it can make your home look like it’s worth 5–10% more before buyers even walk through the door.

The Bottom Line

Selling your home faster in 2025 isn’t about granite waterfalls or infinity pools. It’s about presenting a clean, efficient, move-in ready space that feels modern without being overwhelming. These five updates are all budget-friendly, DIY-friendly and buyer-approved.

And if you’d like a second set of eyes before you start swinging paintbrushes and planting azaleas, I’d be happy to share my recommendations for your home! If you have thoughts or feedback related to this article, I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email at jmahoney.realestate@gmail.com.