People who flip homes say these clever things make your home way nicer for under $30

“Swapping out traditional bulbs for smart bulbs can offer both mood-setting capabilities and energy savings,” according to Matt Vukovich of Matt Buys Indiana Houses. This four-pack of Roku Smart Lights is a great option, allowing you to control the brightness, the light temperature, and to turn lights on and off from the Roku app. “Buyers love the convenience of controlling lighting from their phones or smart home systems,” he says. “And these are great for showing off the potential for smart upgrades in a home. Plus, they’re easy to swap back if needed.”

“Swapping out old or dated hardware for sleek, modern pieces in matte black, brass, or brushed nickel instantly elevates the feel of cabinets and drawers,” says Vukovich. “It’s a small change, but it makes a huge visual impact.” These black cabinet pulls are a great update, giving your kitchen a modern, industrial vibe while making it easy to open drawers and cabinets. They are solid, too. Rendered in zink alloy, they will last for years.

“For outdoor spaces, a magnetic screen door is a great addition that improves airflow while keeping bugs out,” says Vukovich. It’s easy to hang, allows you to walk through it with your hands full, and closes itself behind you. It’s easy for pets and children to navigate, too. “It’s perfect for backyards or patios, offering a cheap but effective upgrade to the functionality of the home’s outdoor areas,” he says.

Illuminate outdoor spaces with these solar pathway lights, suggests Vukovich. “These add a touch of elegance to front yards or gardens without the hassle of electrical wiring. Pathway lights not only enhance curb appeal but also improve safety, helping the home look more welcoming during evening showings or open houses.” Stick one into the ground or a plant pot wherever you need light and they turn on at dusk and off again late at night.

These solar mushroom lights bring safety and illumination to your garden, paths, or porch while adding some charm and whimsy to that space. Set the solar charging panel in a sunny spot and string the lights around trees, through plantings, and amid your fountain. There are other shapes, too, if you prefer dragonflies or flowers.

“Sometimes, a quick refresh is all you need,” says Vukovich. “A can of paint specifically made for cabinets can bring new life to worn-out kitchen or bathroom cabinetry.” This chalk-style paint is forgiving and has the primer and finish all in one coat to make painting easy. “Choose modern neutral tones like soft gray or white to make the space look brighter and more updated,” he says.

“LED adhesive lights that stick under kitchen cabinets or inside closets are a game-changer for brightening up workspaces and storage areas,” says Vukovich. A pack of two push LED lights sticks right to the cabinets and can be turned on and off with the remote or by touching the lens. And you can set them to turn off automatically or choose the brightness with the remote. “They’re battery-operated or plug-in, easy to install, and make a room feel more functional and high-end,” he says.

“Replacing old, rusty house numbers or adding a sleek new mailbox can give the exterior a refreshed, polished look,” says Vukovich. Add this solar-powered address sign to the front of your house. It lights up automatically at night, making it easy for people to find your address, and gets its power from the sun. The numbers are big, stylish, and bold.

This post-mount mailbox is a durable improvement to your street-facing decor. It’s roomy enough to handle all your magazines and catalogs and won’t rust or decay. It looks good, too. “This minor upgrade makes a home feel more inviting and adds to curb appeal, which is key when flipping properties,” says Vukovich.

“Maximize storage space and keep your drawers neat and tidy with the use of drawer organizers,” recommends Alex Capozzolo, co-founder of Brotherly Love Real Estate. “These inexpensive tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different types of drawers and can be used for organizing anything from cutlery to makeup.” This drawer organizer set, for example, has 20 pieces in different sizes that nest together in your drawers. There are two color options.

This four-pack of drawer organizers divides the drawer into spaces that can be whatever size you need. They expand and are spring loaded so they grip onto the drawer sides, creating a near-custom storage solution in your drawers. They come in three colors. Match them to the drawer’s interior and it will feel like you had them made to order.

“Improve air quality and add some greenery to your home with the help of air-purifying plants,” suggests Capozzolo. “Some popular choices include spider plants, peace lilies, and aloe vera, which can help remove toxins and pollutants from the air.” This live Pothos plant is also a good way to go. It will grow quickly, doesn’t require an excess of sunlight, and is capable of turning your dwelling into a peaceful jungle escape.

“A pair of warm lamp lights nestled in the corner [...] add a warm and inviting glow, but they also create a cozy and intimate atmosphere,” says Capozzolo. This pair of touch table lamps don’t require wires, throw a lot of light yet are dimmable so you can create whatever mood the moment calls for, and they come in four colors. You can even use them to prop up your phone as a makeshift phone stand.

“I often choose lamps with interesting bases or shades to add another layer of visual interest to the room,” says Capozzolo. This mini mushroom lamp, for example, looks cute and whimsical on a bedside table or mantle and it is a delightfully functional light. Touch it to brighten, dim, or turn it off. And set it anywhere since it’s rechargeable and doesn’t need a plug.

“Outdoor lighting is important for both security and aesthetics,” says Amanda New, the founder and CEO of Cash For Houses Girl. “But constantly leaving lights on can be wasteful and expensive. Motion sensor lights are a great alternative as they only turn on when movement is detected, saving energy and money. They also provide added security by automatically turning on when someone approaches the property.” You don’t even need special fixtures to make this upgrade. Simply replace the ligh tbulbs in outdoor lamps with these motion sensor LED light bulbs.

“For a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to illuminate your outdoor space, consider solar-powered lights,” says New. “These lights use energy from the sun to power them, eliminating the need for electricity and reducing energy costs. They come in a variety of styles and can be easily installed without any wiring needed.” Mount this solar motion-sensing light above a garage or outbuilding so you don’t need to carry a flashlight or fumble in the dark in places that have no power.

This set of four solar fence lights brings pretty ambient light to your outdoor spaces. Mount them to a fence or deck and they will do the rest, lighting up when it gets dark and turning off in the wee hours when they run out of power. They throw a soft, warm light that improves the mood as well as the visibility.

If you have a deck, this solar fence post cap is a great way to add light to it without running wires or adding clutter. They attach directly to the posts, soak up the sun for power all day, and light your gatherings for up to eight hours in the evening. They work well to light a stretch of fence, too. This is a two-pack.

This adorable cat yard statue does double duty as a whimsical garden decoration and a layer of light for your outdoor space. Nestle the cute, smiling feline amid your flowers and it will throw a charming pool of light to make your space safer and more inviting. There are five animals to choose from or you could get them all and create a menagerie of lights.

“Updating cabinet knobs and pulls can make a huge difference in kitchens and bathrooms,” says Robert Shepherd, CEO at Peak & Home Partners. These square knobs in matte black are a great option and come in a pack of 10 so you can match an entire section of your cabinetry or the entirety of your bathroom. Either way, it’s a fast, easy update that anyone can do.

“Transform a kitchen or bathroom with peel-and-stick tiles,” says Shepherd, “which are easy to install and can mimic the look of expensive materials like marble or subway tile.” If you thought this easy and affordable kitchen backsplash was too good to be true, rest assured that it is not. Installation is easy, and the results are so good that most people will believe you remodeled. The end result is easy to clean, too.

“Upgrade any space with smart plugs that allow you to control devices from your smartphone,” says Shepherd. “The TP-Link Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Plug is affordable and enhances convenience, making it easier for homeowners to manage their electronics.” It monitors the energy draw of each of your devices and lets you set schedules — from your phone or smart home device — for turning them off to save power.

Jerry O'Reilly, real estate investor at Cash Home Buyers Crew, recommends this soot eraser sponge for cleaning difficult staining from your walls and other surfaces. “[It] removes soot from chimney brick and any residue from tobacco smoke,” he says. “[It] works on walls, brick, and even cloth.” It’s even great for dusting since the open-cell vulcanized rubber lifts away loose debris.

You don’t have to drop a fortune on new blinds to block that glare or ugly view. These pleated shades are so easy. “Just cut, peel, and stick to disguise the view out the window of a freeway ramp,” says O’Reilly. They attach to either the frame of your window or directly to the glass and you can raise and lower them to suit the light situation.

Use these powered picture lights to execute O'Reilly’s favorite hack for cleverly lighting a room. “[They are] wireless, remote controlled and dimmable,” he says. “Place a potted plant in a dark corner and add one of these hidden in the pot (or behind the plant facing the wall) and you have a feature that brightens up an entire room.” This is a clever way to showcase some greenery and light the room. The lights come with a remote to make setting the brightness easy. You can set them to turn off automatically, too.

O'Reilly recommends this grout cleaner brush that is, he says, “easy to use, washable, and sturdy. [The] bristles stay stiff – and clean even thin grout lines.” This is a pack of two so you can stash one in each bathroom or the kitchen. The handle is designed to be easy on your hands, too.

“My go-to final touch is to incorporate fresh flowers or high-quality faux arrangements,” says Jim Sandford, real estate expert and founder of Freedom Properties Direct. This pair of artificial succulent plants in pretty ceramic pots that sit on a bamboo tray is perfect on an entry or coffee table. “They add an element of warmth and color, making the space feel welcoming and vibrant.”

“If flowers aren’t available, consider a stylish bowl of fruit, which can also bring a touch of life to a kitchen or dining area,” says Sanford. This wire basket — loaded with fruit, bread, candy, or even a few decorative items or a tea set — will look amazing on the counter or coffee table.

“To elevate a bathroom’s appearance, I suggest replacing outdated faucets and hardware with modern fixtures,” says Sanford. “This simple update can make a significant difference.” This matte black bathroom faucet will quickly turn a dated and frumpy bathroom into a modern — and more functional — space.

“One kitchen upgrade that makes a substantial impact is the installation of a backsplash,” says Sanford. “Choosing a trendy tile or material can completely transform the kitchen's aesthetic.” This peel-and-stick backsplash in a pretty tile pattern is easy to install with nothing more than a pair of scissors. “It’s a relatively affordable upgrade that adds style and character, instantly drawing the eye,” he says. It comes in lots of sizes so there is sure to be one to fit your project and there are seven color options.

“Upgrading light fixtures to stylish, modern designs can dramatically change the ambiance of a space. Good lighting creates warmth and sophistication,” says Sanford. Start with one of these elegant and adjustable ceiling lights. It comes in five sizes so you can use it anywhere from the entryway to the kitchen. It’s dimmable and you can preset the light color. There are four color options.

“Incorporating a variety of materials — such as wood, metal, and fabric — adds depth and interest, giving the space a more luxurious vibe without significant investment,” says Sanford. You don’t have to invest heavily to accomplish this. Set this eight-pack of acacia wood coasters on the counter or a table to create this effect. It will also help protect your furniture.

This bright copper watering can is another way to implement Sanford’s tip for adding visual depth. A punch of that coppery color and metal texture looks gorgeous on a wood surface or amid your greenery. You will also have a handy vessel for watering your plants. The spout is accurate, reaches around leaves, and prevents spills. And it holds 30 ounces.

“Better lighting can make a space feel larger,” says Richard Mews, realtor, investor, and CEO of Sell With Richard. “It can also highlight its best features and create a more inviting atmosphere. It also enhances functionality, making daily routines more pleasant.” It’s easy to stick these motion-activated lights under a cabinet or on the stair risers to improve your lighting. Get creative. Stick them to the underside of shelves or in a dark corner of the kitchen or closet.

“I also use battery-operated LED candles for ambiance, eliminating fire risk,” says Mews. This three-pack of flameless candles in different sizes, for example, creates a pretty grouping on a mantle or entry table. You can set how long they stay on and light them all at once with a touch to the remote. Choose from six colors.

Play with the layout of your furniture. What works for your comfort and habits may not be the most appealing way to arrange things. Pull the couch away from the wall, move that table out of the way, or arrange the seating into a conversation grouping instead of facing the TV. “Furniture sliders make moving heavy pieces easy,” says Mews.

“Large mirrors boost light and create the illusion of more space,” says Mews. This wood mirror has a distressed frame that also brings some texture and a rustic vibe to your space. It comes in four sizes and 10 colors so you can use it at the entry, in a bedroom, and in the bathroom.

“Hanging plants can create visual interest in unexpected places,” says Mews. Simply fill these hanging planters with some cute greenery, mount them to the walls, and enjoy the feel of vines creeping down the walls and creating a garden atmosphere indoors.

“Removable vinyl floor decals briefly refresh old floors,” says Mews. These vinyl floor tiles are easy to install and refresh an old or ugly floor easily and very affordably. They come in 11 colors and you need only to peel and stick them to the floor to install them.

“My favorite [upgrade] is peel-and-stick wallpaper,” says Mews. “It's ideal for accent walls, adding interest without commitment.” This leaf peel-and-stick wallpaper creates a delicate floral wall that’s perfect for defining a space or punching up the look of a room. It comes in nine colors so you can choose how much dramatic impact you want.