Getting a home improvement project to pay off is notoriously tricky. There's no guarantee you'll recoup the money you pour into a bathroom remodel or an outdoor kitchen. Plus, the COVID-19 pandemic has made completing even minor projects more difficult, as many nonessential construction projects have been halted.

According to experts below are the improvements under $10,000 that buyers are perennially interested in, plus the trending ones whose popularity is likely to last.

1. Deep cleaning: $500 or less

Scuffs on doors, counters, cabinets, and walls; a ring of scum around a drain; cobwebs in basement corners; toys or tools peppering lawns and patios—these all look bad in the eyes of potential buyers. Luckily, eradicating these blemishes doesn't take much.

2. Front-door upgrade: $2,000 or less

The front door is the first part of a home that a potential buyer will see. A fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or updated accessories like house numbers, door knockers, and attractive lighting are all easy and relatively inexpensive to obtain.

3. Touchless fixtures and fresh-air systems: $200 to $5,000

During the pandemic, certain fixtures have become more relevant than ever. What buyers want right now are touchless fixtures like sinks and toilets that eliminate your need to come into contact with a germ-filled surface

4. Better kitchens and bathrooms: $9,000 or less

Kitchens and bathrooms that look outdated or cheap can sink the value of an entire home.

5. Backyard upgrades: $500 to $10,000

Backyards are now thought of as an extension of the home.

6. Home office: $10,000 or less

And while it might seem crazy to take on a big-ticket project in a time of economic uncertainty, many home buyers are still looking for turnkey properties with attractive amenities. So if you're a seller with a house in need of a little TLC, you should focus on relatively low-budget upgrades that will seriously juice your home’s value.

Now that you've checked off your easy upgrades, it's time to list and sell your home in record time. Click here to get a free property valuation.