Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
Before listing a home on the market, there are some secrets you should know that can spice up different features in each room. Inexpensive tips are quick and can be done in a small amount of time.
It is recommended to make detail changes in your home so you can get a buyer interested. The bathroom and kitchen areas will have similar upgrades. Windows and doors offer a facelift with a plethora of options, and since flooring covers the entire space, it has the potential to make the biggest statement. Here are ideas to consider for turning boring to exciting.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
Kitchens are most often the big selling point in homes. Appliances and cabinets can be the backdrop for upgraded faucets and lighting fixtures. Replacing light switch covers and sockets to the same theme of gold, brush nickel, or chrome gives the paint a lift. Consider coordinating the material and color used for the faucets. The latest craze is a backsplash with a complementing color scheme. Build on this with patterns and using textured materials.
Faucets and light fixtures in the bathrooms can follow the same concept. An easy lighting option is to change the bulb shape as long as the cap fits into the fixture. For example, replace round with eco-friendly swirl bulbs. This incorporates green technology and will save the new owner money over the long-term. A step that requires cleaning products and caulk is refreshing the grouting. This could also be an ideal opportunity to paint the grout with a crème or beige color. Re-caulking adds clean lines throughout the space.
Windows and Doors
This is a project that offers the most choices. A variety of shutters and blinds on windows and doors will deliver several visual focal points in each room. Start with a little planning to address window sizes and types. There is always the option to use the same window treatments throughout, so the focus is on the size. For more spice factor, texture and functionality features will add personality to the space. For example, solar blinds protect from harmful UV rays and come in a bevy of colors and materials. Buy products that use technology such as remote control or that can be programmed to a home automation system.
Painting or installing new doors will change the dynamics of any interior. Entry and exit doors are no exception. Instead of replacing doors, consider adding adjustable door shutters or blinds to those that have glass plates. Upgrade the door handles from round to designer shapes and consider changing the color to gold plated or brass.
Floors
The type of flooring will dictate the upgrades you can make. Hardwood, carpeting, and tile each have potential to enhance the space exponentially. An example would be to paint a new coat of shellac on hardwood floors. Use this opportunity to add a rich luster to the natural grain by using shellac with a hint of color. Carpets could be deep cleaned or replaced. Tile can have new grout installed or cleaned. This project can be completed quickly with easy to apply products.
Regardless of the type of flooring, add crown molding to the baseboard. This simple project costs pennies on the dollar. The easy steps include measuring the space, deciding the width and type of molding, and installation. Tools include a hammer and nails. The home improvement stores will have the materials and cut them to specifications.
The benefits of these secrets include being simple, quick, budget friendly, and can be do-it-yourself projects. A caveat is to only upgrade only where needed. The results will spice up the house, and impress potential new owners. The subtle changes will have them doing a double take when they walk in the door.
About the author: Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information on getting good window treatments, check out Sunburst Shutters or contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
I like the tip to use a variety of shutters and blinds. In the past I've always thought that all windows needed to have the exact same kind of treatments because that's what I typically see in homes. However, since I've started researching what I want in my own home, I've realized that it can actually look really awesome to mix and match!