Putting a house up for sale is a scary event, even when the market
is in your favor. However, in today's soft market it is not impossible
to sell a home. All you need is some honesty as to what is lacking,
some imagination, and a few home improvement tips to help you put
your house at center stage. Here are the top home improvement tips
that will make the potential buyer long to buy your house.
1. Paint
Move all furniture to the center of every room, and paint every
wall with neutral tones. No. I don't mean white or beige. Try a
soft butter shade for the living room; for a child's bedroom, go
with a light blue or a subtle green. Light turquoise is a wonderful
color. Not only does it remind one of sea breezes, but it also looks
good on everyone. Don't laugh. You must realize that the potential
buyer is actually "trying on" your house. Does the color
fit their personality or lifestyle? For the master bedroom, consider
a light sand color that blends peachy tones with soft butter and
subtle tan shades. Do not forget the ceilings. Go with eggshell,
white, or cream. This is not the time to try out a wild color. Place
soft pink light bulbs in all the lamps. Trust me, buyers do look
in mirrors, and at one another: "How lovely, Martha, why your
face is simply glowing!" Paint all woodwork vintage white,
and do buy crown molding – elaborate for the living room and
dining areas (home improvement stores have kits that make the corners
easy); and for the bedrooms and baths, simplicity is your best choice.
You don't want to overpower the room.
2. Redo the Kitchen
Your kitchen may need merely a good paint job. Certainly start with
this. To remove built-up kitchen grease, mix a strong 2 to 1 ratio
solution of TSP and water. TSP is stronger than bleach, so wear
gloves and a mask. This will also remove much of the old paint.
Do not use TSP if you have stained, real-wood cabinets. Use it only
on paint. Try to stick to one side of the color wheel. Try a light
butter or a mint green for the kitchen walls (always use a good
semi-gloss paint). Again paint the trim white. Also paint the cabinets
white, and change the hardware and doors. Make certain that a few
of the cabinets have glass doors, and be certain to place colorful
pitchers, tea pots, and ceramic cookie jars within view. Replace
all the appliances with matching stainless steel or a warm almond
color. Replace the sink, also. Replace old counters with new. Avoid
tiled counters and go with granite or the newer products that can
mimic any stone, in any color. Many also are anti-microbial. Buyers
will love it. Remember, a properly appointed kitchen can give you
a 500% return!
3. Floors
I cannot say this loud enough. NO LINOLEUM! That is so ancient history!
Go with tile in the kitchen, bath, and entryway. Under the tile,
install radiant heat grids. Very easy, and so impressive. If you
can follow a set of directions, you can install radiant heat. No
need to spend a fortune. Tile gives such a clean appearance. For
more drama, simply turn the tile on the point, and create a diamond
effect. For the rest of the house, replace carpet with hardwood
floating floors, which will also allow for radiant heat. Some designers
will insist on laminate, and there is no doubt that it looks like
wood. However, it's not wood. Plain and simple. It cannot be re-finished.
Wood can be re-finished, and many brands have a warranty for up
to three re-finishes in 15 to 25 years. Wood finishes are nearly
impenetrable these days, and with small children or pets, the buyer
is going to need that guarantee. Invest in lovely accent rugs. They
can help stage your home, and you get to take them with you, since
they are not attached to the house.
4. Bathrooms
These can be a problem in a soft market. Bathrooms are very popular,
and some are appointed more lavishly than the Taj Mahal. However,
in a soft housing economy, it's a buyer's market. The key here is
affordability. People who might not have been able to afford a house
before, are able to now. So, they are not looking for a palatial
bathroom; they are looking for something new and attractive, with
complementary lighting. Remember, tile the floor, and install radiant
floor heat. No, this is not rocket science. There are kits that
are simply made for the do-it-yourselfer. Invite the homeowner to
remove his or her shoes, and let them feel the warm floor. Consider
installing a light-tube, which will bathe the bathroom in natural
light. This also comes with easy to install directions. Replace
the tub and surround, as well as toilet, sink, and cabinets. Make
certain that they match. If your bathroom is small, look for ways
to "steal space." An attached closet or wasted kitchen
cabinet will do. If you can build a closet, you can build a wall.
Caution: Do not remove structural support. Build around it.
5. Organization and Storage
In the previously owned home, a lack of storage can be glaringly
obvious. Closets are usually small, and what storage is available
can be almost laughable. The buyer will be looking for permanent
storage, not the storage that you take with you. Storage, or the
lack of it, is the feature that can make or break a sale. Sometimes
the solution is right before your eyes. A kitchen broom closet might
be refitted as a pantry. Small racks attached to the inside of the
door can store spices, teas, and canned goods; while deeper shelves
can hold large boxes and seldom used appliances. A coat closet might
be refitted with organizational shelving, to house boots, toys,
book-bags, hats and gloves. A kitchen island may be all that is
needed to expand the storage space in your kitchen. Even a small
table, with drawers will do the trick. Take a good look at every
nook and cranny in your house, and you might surprise yourself with
how imaginative you are. Remember this key solution: if you can't
build out, build up. Walls in every room of your house, including
that small bathroom, have wasted space. Use it, as they say, or
lose it. Knock the buyer's socks off with matching book cases on
either side of the living room picture window. Add a bench or window
seat, and you have a charming nook for reading or dreaming. These
are the kind of ideas that can cement a buyer's interest.
6. Windows and Doors
Paint where you can, or replace it. If you can't replace the old
windows with new, make them charming with indoor window boxes and
lovely lace curtains. Make certain that drapes do not hide the light.
You want your home to have as much natural light as possible. Wash
every window to a sparkling shine, and replace patio doors with
new French doors. You need not spend a fortune. Look for sales and
special purchases at your home improvement store.
7. Curb Appeal
One of the most dramatic impacts in the presentation of your home,
is what a buyer sees from the street. A weedy lot and a cracked
driveway can chase away a potential buyer, before he or she even
enters the house. Repair and stain a concrete driveway. Don't overlook
an asphalt driveway, either. Filling the cracks and re-tarring the
drive can give an incredible impression. Artful landscaping is also
very important. Don't forget to dress every garden area with a fresh
layer of mulch, and mow that lawn. Where appropriate, a nice garden
structure can be an impressive addition.
8. The Secret Garden
Whether it's a culinary herb garden, right outside the kitchen door,
or a stone patio surrounded with fast growing evergreens, everyone
loves a private garden. Include an arbor covered in vines (even
morning glories). Add a swing or bench, and you have the perfect
spot for dreaming. Consult an arborist in your area, or a trusted
plant nursery specialist. Remember, simplicity, style, and substance
can prick the imagination of a potential buyer to say, "I can
do that, and I'd add this, also!" It won't be long until that
sold sign is placed in front of your home.
9. The Garden Pond
Picture an ad that says: "For Sale. Garden Pond. House Included."
Without a doubt, garden ponds have become one of the most important
features in the landscaping of any home. Real Estate brokers across
the country say that garden ponds are not only attractive to the
home-buyer, but buyers are increasingly requesting to view ONLY
houses with a pond. The two most appealing aspects of ponds are
the sense of serenity and the wildlife they attract. Whether natural
or man made, the house with a garden pond will receive more buyer
interest than any other outdoor feature.
10. Staging
Staging your home is everything. Keep it simple. Remove the clutter
and personal collections. Not everyone is a doll collector, likes
antique tools or salt-and-pepper shakers. Remember that staging
can awaken the imagination of the potential buyer to the house's
potential. Choose lovely appointed accent pieces, like silk flower
arrangements and matching vases or candle holders. Air out the house,
but beware of heavy, perfumed sprays. Many people find that noxious
or they are allergic. You don't want your buyer to sneeze through
the entire showing or leave with a headache. Complimentary bedding
should be simply and tastefully done. Extra decorative pillows are
a nice touch, and don't forget soft lighting.
While it may seem improbable to sell one's house in a soft real
estate market, it is not impossible. With imagination and planning,
along with a can-do attitude, your "For Sale" sign can
become "Sold," in no time at all.
