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From our house to yours.... Updating your home ---------As a homeowner of a 10+ year old home, we know the significance of keeping it from looking “dated”. From old appliances (non-energy efficient), to cabinets, counter tops, lighting, plumbing, paint and flooring - being either warn out looking or from “another time”- most of these items can cause a home to look outdated and reduce the value, especially if deciding to put your home on the market to sell. As we all know, there is a high volume of properties on the market these days and with only a handful of buyers, a property has to be almost perfect to be competitive. The more “up to date” your home is, the better chance you will have to sell it. A few dollars spent wisely in key areas can make all of the difference between achieving your asking price or having to discount your home significantly. There is “perceived value” in an updated home because most people do not want to have to “fix up” - they just want to “move in” and enjoy! Tip of the month: Key Areas to update · Updating an aging bathroom or kitchen – These are the most significant areas in the home for a potential purchaser. Whether they only need cosmetic changes or a “full” remodel – they are both key areas to the potential sale of your home. These two areas carry the highest return on your investment. · Exterior – landscaping, siding, lighting – “Curb appeal”. It is a well known fact that the “first impression” set's the mood for what to expect on the inside of the home. Is your home “welcoming”? If your landscaping needs some “sprucing up”, then add a few flowers, plants or shrubs and make sure the area looks clean and neat. Pressure wash the outside or add a new coat of paint, if necessary. If light fixtures have dulled due to weather or are “out-dated”, then either take them down and spray lacquer them or replace them. Make any minor repairs on the outside that need to be done. Replace an old roof and clean the gutters before putting your home on the market for sale. Clean the windows. Buy a “welcome” mat. · Paint goes a long way – Your home may just need a fresh coat of “neutral” colored interior or exterior paint. Not everyone like's color – so be careful!! Remember, you are trying to appeal to the masses. · Old Polished Brass fixtures - One way to bring your home into the 21st century is to change the fixtures to what is popular today. The extensive use of “oil rubbed bronze” and “brushed nickel” seem to have a perceived added value. If you decide to do the change-out, remember to include all of the faucets, light fixtures, door handles, towel rods, shower enclosures, etc. · Flooring – This can be a tricky area. Whether to change or not to change “that is the question”! If you have carpeting that needs repairing or is extremely warn, then it would be a good idea to change out to a neutral color. If there is tile or hardwood flooring, make sure it is good condition. Flooring can be one of the most expensive items in the home to replace, and this might scare off a buyer if they feel they will have to spend too much money after the fact. · Make minor repairs – Replace burned out light bulbs, patch holes in walls, replace cracked floor or counter tiles, replace or repair wall-paper that is coming off the wall, fix leaky faucets, make sure every item in the home is working properly. Make sure your home is clean and eliminate odors. · De-clutter – Make sure that your closets are not “jammed” full. The idea is to show the potential buyer that there is ample storage space. If you have too much furniture in the room – eliminate it. The more crowded looking your rooms are, the smaller they appear. When someone is looking to buy your home – you want to give them every opportunity to see the “space” you have so they can picture their items fitting in perfectly. · Importance of Appliances – Energy efficient appliances are a plus. Updated appliances not only add value to your home but add cost savings to a potential purchaser. Careful planning and knowing how to “update” and professionally “spruce up” your home will help to sell it fast and bring in top dollar. Use natural and ambient light and mirrors to give the appearance of more space in the room. Spice up your décor with artificial plants. Adding color and texture is important. Keep it simple, natural, clean and classic….. Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year… Contact: Louie or Deborah Carter, Grayson Family Homes, 3391 Linger Longer Rd., Greensboro, GA 30642, (c)706-347-0424 or (c)706-453-6523.
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