C Star Real Estate Blog

In my last blog (http://larrytherealestateguy.blogspot.com/) I talked about upgrades that were more on the "major" side of things.  Installing new cabinets, counter tops,  new flooring and removing walls are projects that some homeowners may consider to be out of their league.  Aside from the complexity of some of these projects they can be expensive and time consuming.  If you are considering putting your home on the market, you may want to carefully consider the economic benefit of such major renovations.  Most can and will add value to your home...value that is reflected in the sales price and the time frame involved in selling a house.  If you will recall from my last blog, studies have shown that homes with upscale renovations tend to sell quicker... and at higher prices...than similar homes that have not been renovated and upgraded.

So let's suppose you have decided to put your house on the market but major renovations and updates are out of the economic question.  There are still some simple, relatively inexpensive things that you can do to add value to your home and may give you an edge in the market.

• Add paint.  In the last few years there has been an explosion of color ending up on the walls of homes everywhere. Bright, intense, contrasting color!  Color is a very personal thing.  Some people love green...others blue.  Accent walls of bright or intense color DO NOT necessarily add to the marketability of a home.  A fresh coat of a neutral paint in a subtle color to add "warmth" is the best choice of you intend to put your house on the market.  The best thing you can do is create a "homey" feeling for those interested in your home.  Paint is the key in creating that feeling.  Paint also hides a great deal of wear and tear.   Purchase a quality product, get the right tools for applying the paint and seek expert advice if you have questions.

• Consider adding a tile back splash in the kitchen and bathroom.   Feel a little intimidated by the thought of do it yourself tiling projects?  Most home improvement stores offer in house classes on tiling.  I have done a number of tiling jobs, including all of the floor tiling in my son's new house.  If I can do it you can to.  A tile back splash can add a custom look to your counters while adding a hint of color to the room.

• Change the hardware on your cabinets.  If you re not replacing cabinets or vanities a change of hardware can add a new look for a relatively small investment.  There are hundreds of different knobs and handles to choose from and installation is a snap.  A word of advice, take one of your old handles with you when you shop for new ones.  Make sure that the spacing between the bolt/screws holes on the new hardware matches the old and you are good to go.

• You can also paint your cabinets and vanities.  Again, a fresh coat of paint will add eye appeal and can be used to add a hint of color to the room.  Don't be afraid to use complimentary colors on the upper and lower cabinets to add a designer look.  

• Adding under counter lighting in the kitchen and laundry room is a custom touch that is made relatively simple with LED light kits.  These kits provide energy efficient lighting in an easy to install package.  Hidden from view these lights wash counter tops and work areas in soft appealing light.  

Remember, you are trying to sell you home for the best price in the quickest amount of time.  Your marketing approach should be to appeal to the broadest selection of buyers.  Floorplans can't be changed.  Brick can't be replaced with stone.  You can't pick up your house and move it across town.  Some things you just can;t change.  What you can do is invest some time and money in making your house more appealing and saleable than the other houses on the market in your price range. Take your personal tastes and preferences out of the equation.

As always, if I can help you with your real estate transaction, whether buying or selling, please let me know 

Larry Brown

C-Star Real Estate

405-533-3800 office

405-564-3109 cell