Home Tips and Services -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 5/6/1999
Last Visited: 4/10/2002
Gerry Stark, sales manager with Vermont's McLaughry Associates Inc., explained that the goal is to make everything look more spacious, more organized, brighter, warm and homey.
"No matter what the season, do your spring cleaning.Clean houses sell a lot easier than dirty ones," Stark said.
"About the cheapest way to make rooms seem warmer and brighter is by buying higher intensity light bulbs, putting them in every lamp in the house, and then turning them on.They give the house a friendly glow.Buyers will react positively, and feel good about your home."
Another way to brighten rooms is by adding fresh paint.White, off-white or beige walls make a room look lighter.
...
"Painting the inside costs very little, and it can make a big difference in buyer perception, so go ahead and do it," Stark recommended.
"Don't bother hanging new wallpaper.Repaint the woodwork instead."
Too much clutter and too much furniture can make a home "feel wrong."So be sure to move out all of the excess furniture to make rooms seem larger.
...
You'll also be reducing your moving costs," Stark said.
...
But there are a few final tips that can add that little extra magic," Stark explained.Before prospective buyers walk in the door, give your home the welcoming aroma of fresh-baked bread or cinnamon rolls. (A pot of cinnamon, orange peels and water on the stove will give the same results.)
"Clear out the kids, their toys, the cat and the dog," Stark said.
"Turn off the television, stereo and radio.Like kids and animals, they can be distracting."Turn on all your lights, including the outside entrance light, even during daylight, Stark recommended.Put out fresh flowers, candles, your best towels and a nice tablecloth.
These steps can give your home the "extra something special" that appeals to prospective buyers.
Return to Home Tips and Services
21 online sources [ view sources ]
