The New Year is a fresh start — and for Los Angeles homeowners thinking about selling, it’s the perfect time to boost your home’s value. Even small updates can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your property and help you secure top-dollar offers in LA’s competitive market.
Here are six easy, high-impact home improvements to tackle before listing your home in 2026:
1. Refresh Your Paint
A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest ways to modernize your home:
- Neutral, light colors like soft grays, creams, and off-whites appeal to a wide range of buyers.
- Touch up scuffed walls and trim for a polished, move-in-ready look.
- For exterior paint, focus on the front door and trim to boost curb appeal.
2. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures
Modern lighting can transform the look of a room instantly:
- Replace outdated ceiling fans or chandeliers with contemporary fixtures.
- Add LED lighting for energy efficiency and brighter spaces.
- Consider accent lighting to highlight architectural features or artwork.
Buyers in LA love well-lit, inviting spaces, and great lighting photographs exceptionally well online.
3. Enhance Curb Appeal
Your home’s first impression starts before buyers step inside:
- Keep lawns, gardens, and pathways neat and green.
- Add potted plants or seasonal flowers near the entrance.
- Power wash the exterior, driveway, and walkways.
4. Update Kitchen and Bathroom Hardware
You don’t need a full remodel to modernize these key spaces:
- Swap out cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and faucets for sleek, contemporary designs.
- Replace outdated showerheads or faucets with stylish, water-efficient options.
- Clean and re-grout tile surfaces to make kitchens and bathrooms sparkle.
Buyers notice kitchens and bathrooms first — small upgrades here have a high return on investment.
5. Declutter and Stage Your Home
A clutter-free, well-staged home helps buyers envision themselves living there:
- Remove personal items, excessive décor, and overstuffed furniture.
- Arrange furniture to highlight open space and traffic flow.
- Consider professional staging or simple DIY staging with minimalistic touches.
6. Improve Flooring and Carpets
Flooring plays a big role in buyers’ perception:
- Deep clean carpets or replace them if worn or outdated.
- Refinish hardwood floors to restore shine and appeal.
- Add modern rugs to highlight spaces and warmth.
Timing Matters
The weeks after Christmas and into mid-January are prime time to list in LA. Competition is lower, and buyers searching online are serious and motivated. By making these simple improvements now, your home will be ready to impress and attract top-dollar offers at the start of the year.
