GETTING READY TO SELL?
Move your property fast and for top dollar with these affordable staging tricks. These quick and easy changes will have broad based appeal and will help attract the largest pool of potential buyers.
Dollar for dollar, a fresh coat of paint gives you more bang for your decorating buck than anything else. Any scuffs or wear marks on your walls and/or trim will channel an unkempt vibe. And, an unusual or radical colour choice – even if it’s on trend – may limit your home’s appeal.
Replace dated light fixtures. How can you tell if it has to go? If it’s over 15 years old and looks it – vintage or antique fixtures aside. You don’t need to break the bank. You can find stylish and affordable fixtures at many of the big box stores. Ensure all light bulbs are working in all fixtures and lamps throughout your home and also ensure they’re bright and provide sufficient light.
Remove your collectibles off and put them into storage. Pare your closets down to what you’re actually wearing this season. Clean off kitchen countertops and organize your closets and cupboards. Get as much stuff up off the floors in your closets. This creates the illusion of space. The more you store onsite, the more cluttered and small your home appears.
A nice bath helps sell a house but, don’t invest in a total renovation unless you absolutely have to. Consider a fresh coat of neutral paint, new overhead/vanity lighting, update towel bars and toilet paper holders and add a fresh white cotton shower curtain. This always appeals. You may also consider replacing the vanity. Some of the big box stores excel at affordable and stylish vanities that are perfect for a bathroom facelift.
Dated window treatments need to come down. Consider leaving the windows bare to maximize natural light if privacy isn’t an issue. It makes the room feel more spacious. Otherwise, there is a huge variety of inexpensive, ready-made draperies available at any number of home décor retailers.
Make small rooms appear bigger and dark rooms seem brighter by adding an attractive wall mirror. A boxlike dining room or foyer will benefit from a leaning floor mirror. Lowes sells well priced ones, and Home Sense often has great deals.
- Replace cracked floor or counter tiles
- Patch holes in walls
- Fix leaky faucets
- Fix doors that don’t close properly and kitchen drawers that jam
