Light Fixtures
Updating light fixtures is an inexpensive way to modernize the look of a home. Some light fixtures can be updated simply by lightly sanding and then spray painting. They can be spray painted to look new by using a flat black, brushed metal or brushed nickel color. This is especially effective when considering outdoor fixtures.
Inside the home, you can update/improve fixtures that are already in place by adding covers to hide exposed bulbs. Sometime the covers come in the form of little lampshades; adding them will make existing fixtures look more expensive. High-hat fixtures can be used in the kitchen and bathrooms. Hollywood track lighting and big globe lights in the bathroom are no longer in demand and look cheap and uninteresting. They are inexpensive to replace, and doing so will bring a good return on the investment. If changing the fixture becomes complicated, it may be necessary to hire an electrician, but it will still be worth it to change them out.
If you decide not to make any drastic changes, at the very least, make sure all light fixtures have the highest wattage bulbs and that they are clean. Get rid of dust and bugs on the inside of all of the light fixtures and don't forget the fixtures attached to fan lamps (and while you're up there, dust off the fan blades). Always use the highest wattage bulbs available (be sure not to exceed the wattage recommended for the fixture due to the danger of fire). Remember, light sells because it makes the house seem bigger and buyers want a light open home. If the house is being shown on a cloudy day or at night, the high-watt bulbs will bring in enough light to showcase the home. Light can create a warm and ambient atmosphere, but its absence can create a very cold and sterile feeling to a home.
Faucet Fixtures
Faucet fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms should be replaced if they look outdated or are not in proper working order. Current trends indicate that gold fixtures are no longer desirable to buyers and should be considered outdated. Make sure that fixtures are consistent throughout the house, both in style and color. If, however, there is already a mix in the house, don't be too concerned about replacing every fixture. It could be very costly and the return is likely not be worth it. There is one room where you should make sure that the fixtures are in working order and in good taste: the master bathroom. This is a very important room to a buyer because it is used every day and is considered a private/personal area that will only be used by those that sleep in the master bedroom, presumably, the buyer. So if you want to update fixtures but don't want to replace everything in the house, start in the master bathroom and buyers will be able to imagine the rest of the home with the same upgrades.