You do not always need a lot of money to increase the value of your home.
In these troubled times, most of us can not afford to pay a stager thousands of dollars to design the interior spaces. Here are some thoughts to get your property in tip top shape without breaking the bank!
1. First, get informed as to "what's hot" and "what's not" by visiting other open houses in exclusive neighborhoods nearby. You will quickly see what colors they have on the walls, how furnishings are positioned and you will definitely get some good ideas for decorating your own home. Ask the agent if you may take photos so that if you are having a contractor or handyman copy something, they will have an excellent idea of what you are trying to achieve.
2. You may also do as I have, visit exclusive interior design shops. Again, go into the high-end shopping areas for the best and most recent innovations in home design. You will find sample kitchens and bathrooms that will provide so many ideas and of course you can ask the sales associates about the materials used. You may also elect to purchase some items that will have a large impact and that can not be easily reproduced.
3. Pay for a consultation from a designer in a shop you appreciate or ask a friend to recommend someone. This could be very valuable since they will share ideas and that may be enough for you to move your home in the right direction.
4. Don't forget a resource everyone has.... your friends and family. If you need furnishings and do not have the money to afford them, ask each of your friends to lend you 2 pieces. If you have 4 friends that would give you 8 lovely pieces to add to your home. You are also inviting your friends and family to help you in this process and helping those we care about feels good.
5. Remember that many buyers make up their minds on a property at the CURB and spend the rest of the time trying to justify that FIRST IMPRESSION. Stand at your curb and see how you can improve the overall look and feel of your home and also exam if the exterior of your property matches the interior theme.
6. Paint, Paint, Paint. If you can not afford to paint a tired exterior paint just the trims or the decorative pieces along side the windows. The fresh paint will provide a good contrast and liven up the overall feel of the house. Paint in neutrals for the interior and use darker colors for rooms that are very very large and lighter colors for small rooms and spaces. Always keep in mind that you wish to attract the most buyers possible so keep your selections to calming neutral colors. Again, you can go to open houses and design shops for references.
7. Repair or Replace the Front Door: In searching for a front door do not forget to look on-line since just about everything is sold on-line. You may find an antique! If you do elect to keep your front door perhaps changing the hardware or painting would improve the overall appeal.
8. Small rooms or odd shaped spaces: These areas MUST be defined with decor or the buyer will not give that area any value and this will be reflected in the offer. Moreover, they may not believe the space could be used and that is why the use must be shown.
9. Lighting: Recessed lighting is costly but you can invest in table and floor lamps and spot lights for very little today. Again, this will lighten up the space, provide warmth expected in a home and also make a smaller space feel larger. Perhaps you have enough lighting fixtures and all you need are bulbs with a higher voltage.
10. Outdoor Living Spaces: Many homeowners are now using their outdoor areas as an extension of their home. If you have a small yard a buyer will see that as a negative. If you decorate the area with charming outdoor furniture, some candles, etc. this space will become a positive. The buyer may think, " Wow, we can sit under the stars and have dinner!" See how a little shift can turn a negative feature into something positive and don't forget, it will also add additional value to the property.
11. Lastly, make everything look and smell clean. For example: Be sure your kitchen & bathroom sinks are free of dirty dishes and debris, all fixtures clean, your trash cans emptied, tables and chairs free of clothes and clutter, etc.
Good Luck to Everyone!
Connie De Groot
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