Design Directions 5

 

I previously discussed some simple ways to help make your home more attractive to potential buyers if you are trying to sell it.  The essence of that discussion was this: you need to clear out clutter and de-personalize your space to make it easier for the potential home buyer to visualize living in your home.  The concept is to showcase your home in a way similar to a model home.  That old saying about less being more should be in your head when doing your initial planning.  

 

Now I want to address some more labor intensive, yet better, money making ideas to help get your home sold for the price you want.   In most cases this will require you to spend some money on your home, but you should get it back in the sale. 

 

The easiest way to understand what you need to work on in your own home is by visiting some open houses that are similar in price, age and size to yours.  Look at them as if you are a potential buyer. Taking notes is a great idea. What things are you seeing?  Is the carpet clean and new? Is the paint fresh, or is it out of date and peeling? Are the rooms cluttered with furniture? Look at the bathrooms. In what condition is the tile and grout?  Are the fixtures old? Do ceilings and walls have cracks?  How much money would you have to put into this house to fix it up and make it a home in which you could live?  Remember, that is what potential buyers are thinking about when walking through your home, too.  Just because you love your purple bedroom does not mean that most people will. If you want to get the most money for your home, you need to present a home to the buyers that they can move right into without doing any work.

 

And don’t forget that the outside of your home should be appealing to the potential buyer as well.  Make sure that the lawn is well maintained and that the plantings look healthy and full.  Remove overgrown bushes and get rid of patio furniture and other patio items that look old and warn.  Just like the interior of your home, the exterior is an extension of your living space.  In California, especially, great outdoor spaces can ad to the square footage of your home because our lifestyles are geared toward outdoor living and entertaining. Power-wash the outside of your home if it doesn’t need to be painted and clean all of your windows inside and out. Also try to get any excess debris off of your roof. Check the condition of your driveway. Does it need some work?  Do the work required to make the sale, and you will be much happier in the end.  Good luck with your projects, and I hope these tips help.  

 

Please email your design questions to me at mnidesign@msn.com and I will answer them in upcoming articles.   Have a great Halloween and as always, enjoy the process.  Michelle