Looking to add instant value to your home? After adding a fresh coat of neutral paint, the next easiest way to achieve that goal is changing its hardware. We all recognize the builder’s grade, brass hardware from days gone by. It clearly marks a home as outdated. Changing the doorknobs and light fixtures is quite easy to do. You can either call in a handy man or tackle it yourself in a weekend.

Now, don't get me wrong, not all homes need to have their hardware changed out. In some older, classic and traditional homes the original hardware and light fixtures are exactly the right style statement for that particular home. I think you'll automatically know into which category your house falls. If not, ask your real estate agent or look at other homes on the market in your area.

Brushed Nickel or Oiled Bronze?

For most homes, the best replacement for the builder’s brass is brushed nickel or oiled bronze fixtures. In contemporary homes, you’ll see chrome. If you're in a neighborhood that attracts a younger buyer, go with the brushed nickel. If you’re in a neighborhood with an older, more traditional flair, use the oiled bronze. Whichever you choose, keep the finish on the doorknobs the same as the finish on the light fixtures. This coordination gives your home a pulled together, cohesive look!

Remember the Door Hinges

You may or may not need to change your door hinges. Oftentimes, they have been painted over and can remain. If your hinges are gold and you change the doorknobs and light fixtures to oiled bronze, go ahead and leave your hinges alone. The gold and the bronze actually coordinate. But, if you have bright gold hinges and change the doorknobs to nickel, it’s best to change the hinges as well.

Bathrooms Are Exempt

Many homes have oiled bronze throughout the home and chrome or nickel in the bathrooms. If this is the case in your house, your bathrooms can all remain as they are. No need to change the vanity lights to bronze when all your bathroom fixtures are in nickel or chrome.

In The Kitchen

Once you've given your house a mini facelift with new doorknobs and light fixtures, look at the door stops in the kitchen and hardware on the cabinets. Do they coordinate with the light fixtures? If you have the old gold door stops and kitchen cabinet hardware, change them out as well. Doorstops and cabinet hardware are easier to replace than you might think. You should be able to buy the same style you already have in a different finish. The key is remembering to keep the finish of your lights, knobs, stops and hardware consistent throughout your house.

The End Result = More Money

You'll be amazed at how fresh and updated your home will look and feel when you change the hardware. This new look shows in the online marketing photos and attracts more home buyers to your house. More attention leads to selling your house faster and more profitably. Today's buyer wants a move-in ready home. The more you can do to update your house and get it into that condition, the better your bottom line!

Tracy Kay Griffin is a member of Express Homebuyers Design Team. She was the Series Designer for HGTV's "Get It Sold," a Guest Designer for HGTV's "My First Place" and the Lead Stager for Washington DC's premier staging company, Red House Staging & Interiors.