As a full time Real Estate Agent, I get to preview a lot of homes every week. During broker tours and showings, often it's fairly obvious which properties will sell more easily in this market, just based on overall presentation and condition.
I recommend every homeowner keep their home current in all aspects of interior and exterior work - whether selling in 6 weeks, 6 months or 6 years. Here's a quick list of suggestions to keep your home updated so you can strengthen resale value and enjoy those wonderful enhancements now:
Energy Efficient Replacements - Don't put off necessary replacements in windows, appliances and HVAC systems. Upgrading to Energy Star rated items will save you money now. Look into holiday sales and tax rebates available on many items.
Oil vs Gas - If you need a new furnace but on a street without natural gas, consider propane. We see this trend with nearly all new construction homes in many oil-only neighborhoods.
Replace Overgrown Landscaping - Nothing dates a home's curb appeal more than a huge wall of overgrown shrubs. All local nurseries and big box home improvement stores have dwarf varieties of plantings. You will be amazed how much "newer" your home will look when those old rhodies and tall hedges are gone!
Power Wash your House, Walkways and Patios - All too often I see lovely homes with dirty, stained shingles and/or discolored stone masonry. Unless it is the dead of winter, try to keep mildew off these areas so that your home and property sparkle. Also, if you do it faithfully every year, it is a great way to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Update the Front Door - Again, curb appeal rules. Some doors scream 1970; others just need a fresh coat of paint. It's the first impression that counts and a great door says it all. You can click on the door image at the end of this blog for additional tips.
Address Interior "Eye Sores" - Don't keep walking past that dated wallpaper, ornate light fixtures or off-color painted walls. Contrary to what your may think, if you ignore it, it doesn't disappear. With so many design inspiration resources and inexpensive shopping venues, you really just need a little pep talk (here it is) to get moving on making a change.
Create More Storage - Buyers LOVE cubbies, shelves and built-ins. If you are driving yourself crazy with the need for more organization, get it done for yourself first!
What ELSE Buyers Want - It's always a great idea to add these items that buyers (and yourself) will be excited about: A designated laundry room, a well planned mud room, built-ins anywhere, exterior lighting, a patio/deck/porch, hardwood floors, French doors, added storage in garage and basements.
Have questions about any of the above? Your answers are just a phone call or email away...I would love to hear from you. And here's that link to another blog about First Impressions - the Front Door (click image below):
For more blogs on Selling and Home Design and more, click HERE.