There are a number of reasons why you may need to sell your home and move. Maybe you got a hot job offer out of town that you would be silly to refuse, or it’s that empty nest stage of life where the kids are finished with college and pursuing their own lives away from home. Suddenly, the 2000 square foot house is more than you need for your new family size.
Naturally, you want to get the best return on investment you possibly can! Back in the days of the housing slump, this was trickier, but now selling won’t be as likely to leave you upside down since the market is more stable. Significant remodeling which changes your home’s roofline can be costly and time-consuming, so the most effective fix-up is often a simple makeover.
Illusion is your ally when you improve the appearance of your home for resale. If for whatever reason you have to sell, here are a few ways you can use illusion to squeeze more value out of your property:
Landscaping
The adage, “you only get one chance to make a first impression”, certainly holds true for selling your home! The front of the house and yard is the first thing prospective buyers will see, and they often judge the entire home on its façade. Clean up weeds, dead vegetation, or any other yard debris, and pay special attention to the appearance of the main entry area and front door. Vivid flowers in the front yard can aid any shortcomings.
Paint
The colors you choose to either change or refresh a paint job can make a difference. As every artist knows, lighter and neutral colors can give rooms a cheerier, welcoming, and larger appearance. Paint suppliers are reporting that the minimalist look is really hot for 2016, with 3-4 layers of white tints being a popular palette. If you choose color, stray from anything too exotic unless you can coordinate such color schemes expertly, or think pastels and muted tints of richer colors.
Focus on the kitchen, bathrooms, and living area. The kitchen is the heart of your home and buyers will place special emphasis on the appearance and space. The living area usually has the largest walls, so a bright color on such a large area is a must. Dated appearances in bathrooms such as retro colors, distressed tilework, or mineral deposits on the porcelain can flush your home’s value down the drain.
Open up space
The colors you choose for painting rooms can help create space, but another quality that many prospectors look for is to feel like a house’s space lets them breathe. The breathing room is created by a more open floor plan, especially one with open access between the kitchen and living area since this makes a terrific stage for hosting.
Non-functional partition walls break up the flow of space and make rooms appear smaller, and an island in a small kitchen can make the room appear dreadfully cramped. If you make modifications to your floor plan, keep in mind one principle: more space = more value.
Decorative handles
Décor can make or break a house sale! Certain styles of cabinet door knobs and drawer handles can give your home a more dignified look, suggesting higher value. Beware of chintz! Stray from choosing something too elaborate or specialized as the prospective owners may be put off by some element they can’t quite put their finger on.
Need assistance with selling or buying a home? I would love to help you! Contact me at 520.730.4257 or
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