| In most markets today, buyers are more selective | | | | all know about fuel costs... |
| and demanding. There's more to choose from and | | | | Insulated windows are always a plus, Typically, they |
| they expect quality and upgrades. You may be facing | | | | pay for themselves in five years, The cost: for an |
| a dilemma as to "what to fix first" or not having any | | | | average 2,600-square-foot home, estimate about |
| additional funds for projects. Below are the most | | | | $10,000 for new windows. Well-placed skylights are |
| important features when it comes to selling your | | | | also a good touch to add value. |
| home. I would be happy to walk through your home | | | | Decorating - Neutrals always work best - they make |
| with you, and point out your home's most important | | | | rooms appear bigger and brighter. However, we are |
| "needed projects" also, give you easy and cheap tips | | | | in danger of going overboard with the minimalist look. |
| room to room. Contact me | | | | Put neutral colors on walls, floor and fittings, but |
| Kitchen - Putting in a new kitchen is always a safe | | | | introduce some color through paintings, and soft |
| and predictable way to spend money. Today, people | | | | furnishings to give your home warmth and appeal. |
| like a big kitchen with a lot of workspace. They look | | | | Pack away as many personal items as you can such |
| for solid surface counters and high-quality flooring, | | | | as photos. Allow the potential buyer to view the |
| such as wood, laminate, tile or stone. New/modern | | | | home as their own with no mental obstructions. |
| lighting is also desirable and can completely change | | | | Natural materials - People like natural materials. |
| the feel of the kitchen. They want newer appliances | | | | Ceramic tile, hardwood floors, granite. We've gone |
| in working order. It helps to have a window over the | | | | back to a real appreciation for historically true |
| sink and being open to another room is quite | | | | materials. And simulated works just as well. The look |
| desirable in today's market. Not only will you add | | | | is very popular. |
| considerably to the value of your home - you will also | | | | In floor coverings - especially bathrooms or kitchens - |
| get a lot of pleasure from it! | | | | look for ceramic tile or wood rather than linoleum, |
| Bathrooms - Buyers are looking for master baths | | | | which can tear and be seen as "Cheap" Buyer's will |
| that give a little room to roam. A big asset: spa or | | | | often overlook an outdated vanity when they see |
| whirlpool tubs. It's a big selling feature. | | | | ceramic tile flooring. In the rest of the house, wood |
| Some other features buyers are seeking: separate | | | | or laminate products are a plus over wall-to-wall |
| showers with steam and/or multiple jets, Newer | | | | carpet. |
| fixtures, double sink, and separate room for the | | | | But if you have carpet, it should be a good product |
| toilet. Modern lighting, storage/linen space, ceiling vent | | | | and well maintained so that a person doesn't have to |
| and heat lamp combination. | | | | walk in and think, 'I'm going to have to spend five |
| Master suites/Loft conversions - These offer | | | | grand right off the bat. If possible make room for a |
| fantastic value for money, but don't be tempted to | | | | "Decorating allowance" for the buyer this way it |
| squeeze two rooms into a loft space. Instead | | | | doesn't hurt your budget up front and comes out of |
| convert the loft into a master bedroom with en-suite | | | | your net proceeds. |
| bathroom, a guest bedroom, a teenage bedroom or | | | | Yard/Landscaping - There is not a lot you can do |
| a family games room. What's important is that you | | | | with the size of your yard. However, if you have an |
| keep it as a large room, giving your home instant | | | | unsightly landscaping you need to spend money |
| 'wow' factor. Buyers are very excited about A | | | | tidying it up. It will increase the value of your |
| well-appointed master suite. The wish list: a luxurious | | | | property instantly. Make sure you include a deck or |
| bathroom, lounging areas and walk-in closets, | | | | patio area. Smarten up the front appearance and |
| preferably his and hers. | | | | replace any fallen boundary fencing. Remember to |
| Closets/Storage - Space is a huge selling feature. | | | | keep the yard a focal point just as the interior is. |
| Beyond the his and her closets, buyers want to see | | | | Families will be spending time in the yard as well as |
| SPACE! Make sure you have removed all unnecessary | | | | the living room. Make landscaping and gardens child |
| items and your closets and linen cabinets are almost | | | | pet friendly if possible. |
| bare! A buyer WILL open your "Secret hiding places" | | | | Study/Den - Nearly 8 out of 10 households now have |
| Garages and attics are also important. As long as | | | | a computer. This has created an essential need for a |
| they can envision their belongings fitting in YOUR | | | | study in many homes. Turning an under- stairs |
| home, they will be satisfied. There's only so much we | | | | cupboard or a section of your finished basement into |
| can control. If you have an older home chances are | | | | a study can be a great asset. But make sure it is |
| your closets were designed for the days of "a few | | | | away from the main living and sleeping areas. |
| garments." Today's new construction allows added | | | | Entertainment systems - Most new homes are now |
| space to accommodate our fashion must haves and | | | | pre-wired for surround sound and broadband points. |
| of course our 10-20 pairs of shoes EACH. | | | | If you are thinking of having your house re-wired, |
| Exteriors - Many people spend thousands improving | | | | remember to include this at the same time. It will |
| the inside of their property without giving any | | | | save you a lot of money in the long term. |
| thought to the exterior - big mistake! If you've got | | | | Basements - What used to be used only for a coal |
| an old roof and outdated paint, I don't care if you've | | | | shoot, work shop, storage, and laundry, is now a |
| updated the kitchen, bath and added gold faucets, | | | | living space! People expect a rec room, finished walls |
| first impressions are a must and can add as much as | | | | and flooring. If your basement is not finished, it |
| 5 percent to 10 percent to the value of the home. | | | | should at least be DRY and clutter free. If your |
| Roofs are expensive to replace and a good roof is | | | | whole upstairs is remodeled and modern, but the |
| considered standard equipment in a house. If your | | | | basement has water problems, THAT'S what the |
| roof has problems, expect to take a hit in the price. | | | | buyer will remember unfortunately. Add extra lighting, |
| Before entering the home, a buyer shouldn't see | | | | clean up what I like to call "Creepy corners." Glass |
| flawed porches, loose handrails, rusty gutters or | | | | block windows are now standard and expected. Be |
| awnings. They will automatically raise an eyebrow to | | | | sure to pay attention to the stairs leading to the |
| the rest of the home. If the exterior hasn't been | | | | basement. Paint, secure hand rails, and make it's as |
| maintained, they will wonder what else they're not | | | | appealing as possible. Again, going back to first |
| seeing. | | | | impressions. |
| Windows - People are looking at exposures and | | | | If you know you've got to have something fixed, fix |
| windows, It's been a cold winter for most of the | | | | it Otherwise, people will subtract the cost or not |
| country and energy efficiency is very important. We | | | | make an offer on the house. |