From cozy window benches to stately fireside bookshelves, custom built-ins lend your home a stand-out quality that will leave a lasting impression on prospective buyers. Popular locales for built-in shelves or bookcases are living rooms, offices and dining rooms, while built-in window seats add ample charm to kids’ bedrooms, playrooms or breakfast nooks.

You might be a fan of burgundy bedroom walls but chances are, the mass population won’t feel the same. Head to the home improvement store for a few gallons of a light, neutral paint to appeal to the mass market. Light gray, beige and classic white are all fool-proof picks.

Bring your beautiful hardwood floors back to life by adding a few coats of dark stain. We love this trick because not only does it give your home a handsome, fresh look but it also disguises years of wear and tear.

It’s true: Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. If budget allows, invest in upgrading any dated countertops in these spaces with timeless materials like classic marble, creamy quartz or neutral soapstone. While replacing counters is certainly an investment, buyers are often more inclined to make an offer on a home that requires minimal expensive updates.