Monday, April 1, 2013

Simple Changes that Can Make your Home More Marketable

Simple Changes That Can Make Your Home More Marketable

Making your property stand out is an essential part of any home selling strategy. Here are some suggestions on how to do this.  Of course there are standards like removing clutter and keeping your home neat and clean. However, in our current competitive market, you might need to step up your game.  Here are some simple changes that you can make that will highlight and increase the marketability of your home for sale.
Replace outdated counter tops
Kitchens and bathrooms are a home’s major selling points. Consider replacing outdated counter tops with something more current.  Don’t feel as though granite is the only option!  There are many materials available for countertops that will add sophistication and style to your kitchen in a flash.  Consult home design magazines and kitchen showrooms for inspired ideas.
Refinish decks and porches and paint or stain concrete surfaces 
If you have a wooden deck or porch, consider having it refinished or stained before showing your home to potential buyers. Likewise, concrete surfaces such as garage floors or patios will look cleaner and more inviting with a fresh coat of sealant or paint.
Update light fixtures and change out dim light bulbs for higher wattage ones
Take a look at your home’s interior and exterior light fixtures. If they are outdated or damaged, you should think about replacing them with new updated ones that coordinate with the style of your home.  Making you home light and bright makes it show all the better.  Take the time to insure that you have working, high-wattage light bulbs in all of your fixtures.  This will make every room “shine” at its best.
Add shelving to make the most of storage spaces 
Closets and garages are good places to add a few shelves.  If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even paint or stain the shelves to make them look like a custom built-in.  Adding storage options goes a long way to impress potential buyers.
Replace blinds or add window treatments
Many homes have older mini blinds that have seen better days.  If yours are looking dowdy, consider an upgrade to something a little more modern like wood blinds or plantation shutters.  If your curtains seem dated and worn, perhaps a quick fix is in order.  Standard size window treatments can be bought most anywhere inexpensively and can go a long way toward giving a room a quick upgrade.
Spruce up your landscaping and mulch plant beds
Curb appeal is extremely important in enticing buyers to want to see more of your home.  Freshly mulched beds and tidied lawns go a long way for very little cost.  Consider adding planters on your porch or under window sills for a splash of unexpected color.