With spring in full swing, it's an ideal time to think about home upgrades, especially as many of us are spending more time at home due to Coronavirus. Top agents consider some upgrades more cost effective than others, and there are certain changes that you can make that will increase your home value and deliver the best return on your investment, especially if you are focused on selling your home during Covid-19. The Top Agent Insights Survey for Q1 2020 from HomeLight, reveals some statistics to help you get started.

Selling a Home This Spring? Here's What 500 Top Real Estate Agents Say You Should Do

Brought to you by HomeLight.

Let there be light

Many homeowners put off replacing their windows because it is a major investment of time and money. But if your windows have seen better days, and especially if you are thinking about how to sell your home during Coronavirus, or in the future, you might want to at least start researching your options. If you do go for new windows and are planning to sell your home, agents say you could recoup 80 percent of the cost at resale, while 46 percent added that energy efficient windows could boost your home's value. 

Spring is the time to winterize

Gutters and home siding take a beating in the winter months, protecting your home from the elements, and although the next cold season may seem like it's far into the future, time has a way of slipping by and now is the time to start thinking about winterizing. When it comes to replacing gutters, you may want to opt for quality, rather than the least expensive upgrade, as top agents in the survey said you could get a 61 percent return on investment from quality gutters. Siding replacement has an even better return on investment, at 80 percent. 

Reconsider your colors

If you've been at home for many weeks, you may be tired of that periwinkle accent wall that you added to your living room three years ago. While bold colors might have been on trend in the past, agents are noting that this colorway may be headed out, with 36 percent of agents saying it is declining. If you are in the mood to revamp your home's decor, and especially if selling is in your future, you might instead be better off opting for neutral tones, as is preferred by 98 percent of buyers according to the survey. If you aren't sure which way to go, grey might be your best bet, as 79 percent of buyers in the survey said they prefer gray tones, instead of beiges. No matter the color you decide to go with, a fresh coat of paint can change the mood of your home in an afternoon, and improve your home's appeal to buyers during Covid-19. 

Give yourself some space

Decluttering can be an effective way to feel like you have accomplished a major project. But purging is not only for closets, drawers, and cabinets, top agents recommend looking at how furniture, bookcases, coffee tables, and other elements might be taking over your home, too - with 53 percent of agents in the survey noting that open space is appealing to today's buyers. Once you start decluttering, you may find that an entire room opens up, giving you more space to breathe and show off the best side of your home. 

Whatever upgrades you decide to focus on, even in one afternoon you can turn your home into an inviting space that you don't mind spending extra time in.