With the housing market still facing challenges, selling a home can be tough — especially for military families on the move. While civilian homeowners might wait out a downturn, service members with PCS (permanent change of station) orders often don’t have that luxury. If you're preparing to relocate, the right home upgrades can make all the difference in attracting buyers quickly and maximizing your return.
Brad Staggs, licensed contractor and DIY Network expert, offers five impactful (and budget-friendly) ways to get your home market-ready:
- Upgrade with Molding: “It’s amazing the difference a little bit of decorative wood molding can make,” says Staggs. Frame out a window, add crown molding to tall ceilings, or install a simple chair rail in a hallway or bathroom — these small details can dramatically elevate a room’s look and feel.
- Focus on Curb Appeal: The front porch is your home’s handshake to the world. “Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door and trim,” Staggs recommends. “Wooden Adirondack chairs and bright potted flowers are an easy way to create a welcoming vibe.”
- Don't Forget the Backyard: Outdoor living continues to be a major selling point. “Even before things are in bloom, clean up the backyard, define spaces, and consider simple upgrades like outdoor lighting or a fire pit to make it feel like an extension of the home,” Staggs advises.
- Install or Refinish Wood Floors: “Nothing says ‘welcome home’ like wood floors,” he says. Their natural beauty suits any décor and helps buyers imagine living there. If installing new floors isn’t in the budget, consider refinishing existing hardwoods for a fresh, polished look.
- Add a Visual Surprise: “Give buyers something unexpected,” suggests Staggs. This could be beadboard panels on a kitchen island painted in a bold accent color or a statement light fixture in the entryway — small design moments can create lasting impressions.
Whenever possible, use natural, sustainable materials like real wood for floors and trim — they add long-term value and are widely available at most home improvement stores.
By making strategic updates before listing, you can help your home stand out in a crowded market — and move forward with your PCS feeling confident and prepared.
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