What updates help to sell a home? Trying to figure out a budget.

Here's good information. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/brokers-tell-all-10-ways-to-boost-house-value

One thing that is very important when you are selling your home is the roof the roof must be in good condition and ensure you have no leaks. Our roof was only two years old when we listed our home and the realtor said just leave the rest of the house the way it is.

EVERYTHING should be clean, organized and in working condition. All closets should be organized so it looks like you have plenty of storage space. Don't forget the garage and outside. Paint garage floor and organize (garages are usually catch all for junk). Paint the outside of the house, pressure wash all concrete, patios, fences and outdoor buildings. Make everything look magazine ready/perfect. You want to make a great first impression on people.

I’ve heard that kitchens and bathrooms sell a home best. For an inexpensive fix, I’d paint your kitchen cabinets white. (I used General F paint on mine.) You could replace the vanities in a bathroom or two for not that much money, especially if you can get the vanities on sale.

Curb appeal is a must. I staged home for years. Take out personal touches and pictures of family they need to put their family in that home. Take extra nick nacks out. Even a air mattress in a bed room is better then an empty room, or a crowded room even if you have to rent a unit to declutter closets ect. If you are crowded out then they will think they won't have room. Clean off everything on the frigidaire. Pictures ect they need a blank space to put their print on when walking thru. Remember less is more when selling. If it doesn't move paint it if it moves run.

Speaking as a buyer, I want a good roof, plumbing and electric. Neutral colors (paint is a cheap and effective for a fresh look). No clutter, odors and clean make a good impression.

It depends on what area you live in. Have your realtor come out to your house. They know what sells a house. No. 1 is to clean top to bottom...no one wants to buy someones else’s dirt pile. If any thing needs to be updated they should let you know. I was instructed to paint a few walls in a neutral color...there went my calming blue. If your carpets are stained, get them professionally cleaned. If not all the grunge gets out you may need to replace the carpet. If a faucet leaks, take care of it. The out side has to be well manicured..lawn kept mowed, flower beds weeded, trees trimmed if needed. Any bad orders in the house will be noticed. Get mold mildew treated, wash the walls ceiling carpets if a smoker lived in the place. Put real vanilla on a few cotten balls, stash arround the house. Bake cookies a few hours before the open house. Leave a plate out of cookies and a note saying help your self. Each bedroom needs a bed in it- Made up and tidy, thin out the closets. Leaves less than a third of what was in there...yes buyers will look. Your listing agent may have a different list for you.

Curb appeal is important. Everything kept freshly trimmed and a little "wow" with a plant or two or patio wicker set or whatever you have on hand that says "welcome". The kitchen needs to look spacious and bright. White is really popular or grey. If you have an eating area in kitchen, put two chairs in storage and make table smallest possible, to make room seem larger. Bathroom updates are important even if it is just a new paint job and new curtain. You can take the new curtain with you when you move.

Kitchen and bathrooms sell houses. Make sure your curb appeal is up to par too. Here are some sites with great suggestions.

https://www.hgtv.com/design/real-estate/top-home-updates-that-pay-off-pictures

https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/11-popular-home-updates-that-are-worth-the-money

https://www.bankrate.com/finance/real-estate/best-home-fixes-for-the-money-1.aspx

Kitchens ,bathrooms, fresh paint, declutter and curb appeal

Curb appeal and paint are the best things you can do. Paint choices should be neutral.

Like everyone said, remove the clutter and personal photos, etc, live lean and mean, keep the house spotless and well organized, including your yards, pickup after pets and trash the junk. If your home is considered to be " move in ready" make the necessary repairs before you list , you don't need upgrades, have it priced right & it will sell.