They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to selling your home, appearances do count! These nifty tips offer simple, quick and affordable ways to give you home that little spruce up—and make it more appealing to prospective buyers.
1. Brighten Your Lights
Dim, dark homes are rarely engaging for buyers. If you can't add a window or install a skylight to increase the natural light in your home, artificial lighting will be your best friend.
Use the 'three light' scheme to create adequate brightness and texture in each room:
General lights that sit overhead or hang from the ceiling are good for lighting the whole space; task lights should be used to brighten specific areas (e.g. kitchen bench, bedside table) and decorative ambient lights can be used to create mood and atmosphere.
2. Redo Your Kitchen Cabinets
The kitchen is one of the main rooms that often tempt or deter buyers. Without renovating completely, one of the best ways to give your kitchen a boost is to redo your cabinets. This might mean installing new ones entirely (try second-hand ones if you're trying not to spend too much) or simply giving your current ones a new finish. A new splashback can make a big difference too, so consider this too if you have the funds.
3. Upgrade Your Window Coverings
Worn curtains, blinds and other window covering can detract from your home in a big way, so consider upgrading these if possible.
You could also consider changing up your style here. For instance, if your home has curtains or old-school Venetian blinds, plantation shutters or panel blinds would give it a more modern and fresh appeal.
4. Get a New Front Door
First impressions count! An eye-catching front door can be perfect for making a bold statement about your home and 'introducing' its style. Front doors can be both inexpensive and easy to come by, and installation is usually quick.
5. Give the Garden a Manicure
A shoddy, overgrown garden won't do much to sell your home. If you can't DIY here, hiring a gardener for a few hours may be your best bet. Including new plants, shrubs and flowers can help jazz up your garden as well.
For a special touch, create a 'break out' space using outdoor furniture and lighting to show buyers how the garden can be fully utilised.
6. Go for a Paint Job
Are your walls dirty and scuffed? Or just old and faded? Paint jobs, both inside and outside, can make an old home look wonderfully new.
You could DIY your paint job if you have the time and skill; otherwise, shop around for quotes. Good painters can have a house painted in as little as a few days or less.
7. Jazz Up the Walls
You know that golden rule … never leave your walls bare! Sprucing up your walls shows everyone just how beautiful and intimate your home can be.
Mirrors are ideal for reflecting light and adding depth to smaller spaces, while artworks, framed photo arrangements and other decorative wall elements can enhance style and texture.
8. Hire Your Own Furniture
We've all seen those real estate photos where homes for sale look somehow perfect and immaculate - a lot of the time, this is thanks to hired furniture and some interior decorating flair.
Your real estate agent might recommend hiring temporary furniture when it comes time to sell, but you can always shop around yourself if you're keen to save on costs or DIY your style.
Share30 March 2016
My yard is in the shade of both of my neighbour's homes for most of the day which makes it quite hard to grow some of my favourite plants. Even though the yard is shady I still want it to have some nice look ground cover and be a cool place to entertain people. I have used a combination of shade resistant plants and pavers to create a lovely space that is good for entertaining all year round. This blog has some tips on creating a pleasant atmosphere in your shady backyard, particularly if you have a yard that is too shady to grow many kinds of plants.