Spring Into Gear & Add Value To Your Home!
Posted: Wednesday, March 08, 2006
by Cecilia Sherrard
Ohio Real Estate
I’m a Realtor in Cleveland Ohio. I know what people are looking for when they walk into a home. We live in our homes everyday and we’re typically happy with the way it looks. Sometimes we don’t even realize it’s potential. Your visitors and guests are probably NOT going to mention flaws. Here’s where I come in. This is actually my favorite part. Maybe because I understand how important it is and how simple it can be. I always find something to move, replace, organize, or change in a home. Often times, it’s something that homeowner has overlooked all the years they’ve been there. An outside eye can make all the difference.
Let’s start with the most important aspect of your humble dwelling, CLEANLINESS!
I can’t say this enough. Clean, Clean, Clean. Okay, three times will have to do (For now.)
While the word clean is hopefully sticking in your mind, (oops I said it again.) let’s focus on the exterior. This is the first thing people will see obviously. There’s nothing you can do about your street or location, but there is something you can do with your own lot. Get the outside ready to go for that crucial first impression.
The yard should always be looking its best. Bushes and landscaping should be neat and trimmed. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked onto a property with someone, and the first words were “Uh oh, I hope the inside looks better." Or “Wow, so far, so good." Make sure all outdoor items that aren’t being used are put away neatly, including lawnmowers, toys, and garbage cans. Your neighbors will also appreciate you helping THEM add value to their home by keeping up with yours.
New doors are a great way to add appeal for a decent price. If your current doors/screens are in need of paint or replacement, it may be something to consider. Windows in today’s market are looked at seriously. New replacement windows can be costly. If you can’t quite swing it, at least make sure your existing windows are sparkling, free of cracks, functional, and there are no missing storms or screens. Paint the window trim if needed. No paint should be chipping or pealing including on the home, porch, awnings, or windows. It’s looked at as neglect. If you’re neglecting the outside, what’s expected on the inside? Don’t let your visitors raise eyebrows before even entering your castle.
Cleaning Tip: To remove stickers, decals, and glue from furniture, doors, glass, plastic, etc. saturate with vegetable oil and rub off.
Smaller improvements can add value and visual appeal. Items such as a new mailbox, address numbers/letters, well placed flowers/planters. Even a new welcome mat and a swept porch/sidewalk can make everything just look more clean. (There it is again.)
Now let’s move on to the inside of your abode. The best advice I can give is to start at the entry door. Start slow. Look around the way a stranger would. Take the tour yourself! Okay, I think you’re getting point. Clean! Sorry, had to throw that in there.
You may or may not have all these features in your home. If you do, please allow your ears to perk up, and take note. The entrance should be extremely taken care of. If you have a foyer, keep it clutter free. Paint if needed, and remember the hall closet. I’m sure there’s an old jacket in there from 1980 or so that could probably be tossed or given away. “But it’s a great jacket! I’ll definitely wear that again." - Not if the hanger it’s hanging on has left permanent marks on the shoulders.
Closets are a big one. If you have an older home, chances are you’re in need of more closet space. In the old days people actually survived with fewer garments. Imagine that. There’s not much you can do about the space, but there is something you can do about the appearance of. Remember, we’re imagining your home is going to be for sale. The more that’s out and off the floor/shelves, the better! People love closet space, and they love looking in them! Make sure they offer as much space as possible and are clean (Yes, clean!)
Tip: MOTHBALL SUBSTITUTE: Take your leftover soap slivers and put them in a vented plastic bag. Place the bag with seasonal clothes before packing them away or in the closet. Not only will the scent prevent them from moth harm but they'll smell great!
The kitchen - or shall I say the busiest and most used part of the home. In today’s HGTV/Home Depot world, you should expect for the kitchen to be looked at and observed carefully. Upgrades are a must. Newer appliances can change the whole look of your home, That lime green stove from 1978 is probably not showing off the nice countertops or flooring. Cabinetry is also a huge factor these days. Lots of space, and beauty is in. If you can’t afford to go all out and replace them, a cost effective approach may be refacing the cabinets, replacing hardware, even painting them may help as a last resort. Granite, marble and engineered stone countertops are all rage. There are so many choices from top of the line, to lower budget beauty. If replacement isn’t an option, at least make sure your counters are clean! And free of any clutter. Remove almost everything not used. Store it away, but remember potential buyers will also look inside your cabinets! Moving clutter from one space to another isn’t the goal here. Filling the cabinets or pantry will just add to the confusion you’re trying to eliminate. Find a corner of the garage or basement to neatly store items not used often. It will certainly make it easier to find the ones you DO use regularly. If items fall out once you open the door, that’s the first sign of needed help!
Cleaning Tip: for TARNISHED SIVERWARE. Line a cake pan with aluminum foil. Fill with water and add 1 Tbls. of baking soda per 2 cups of water. Heat to 150 degrees. Lay silverware in pan, touching aluminum foil. Watch the stains disappear!
Painting the walls or applying wallpaper is a great way to actually force yourself to remove outdated photos or excessive items from the walls. You’ll have no “nail hole or frame marks" to use as an excuse. Choosing a new color should be done with care. On average, people choose white. White or lighter colors will make the room appear larger yes. There are so many colors and textures to choose from. You CAN paint over wallpaper! I hear many gasp when I mention this. As long as it’s not pealing or too old, it paints over beautifully. Try if you can to keep walls neutral but don’t be afraid of a little color. Color will also reflect light well. If your home looks like a hospital, it may not be quite warm enough or shall I dare say boring.
Flooring options are abundant. The preferred choices are ceramic tile, granite, or hard wood. Natural is in if possible. If you want to be unique and draw some interest, try adding bamboo or cork flooring. Perhaps not in the whole house, but a rec room, bedroom, or sunroom may add an interesting twist. If you have carpet, shampoo it, and make sure it’s not in need of replacement.
The living room should have furniture moved to show the most potential space. It should be roomy, bright, and free of personal belongings. Décor should be minimal yet make a statement. Plants not only add warmth to your home, but they also improve the air quality. If your plants are not healthy, take them to the hospital! (I mean garage) or an out of sight nook to grow back for future display. Sit on your sofa. Where do your eyes go first? Imagining yourself as a guest or potential buyer will help you find dusty corners, flaws, and eye-catching clutter.
Cleaning Tip: DO NOT USE CANDLES IN JARS! They can cause soot in the home. You can test this by taking a tissue to the inside edge of the jar after being burned. You will find soot! Not only does it appear to be mold, but it obviously makes for POOR air quality. It also can make drapes, walls, and ceilings dirty.
Bedrooms are similar. We tend to toss things on the dresser or nightstand. I call these things “Homeless" They really don’t have a specific place to go. Try if you can to give everything a home. I don’t mean a junk drawer! If it’s not being used, (like the 20 year old bottle of perfume or cologne you got as a stocking stuffer) toss it! Is it time for a new bed in a bag?? If your comforter and pillow cases show signs of being dried on high temp too many times, (Navy blue is now sky blue) head to the store please. Besides looking fresh and adding life to the room, new bedding just makes you feel good. Treat yourself! Yes, make the beds and make sure everything is clean! (Sorry)
Bathrooms are almost as looked at as kitchens. With so many different features and hardware to choose from, having an updated bathroom is almost considered standard. Even if you can’t get to everything, a few new things such as a vanity, mirror, flooring, lighting, or interior surround in the shower may help and can also add much needed space. Most of these projects separately are pretty inexpensive. Double sinks are very desirable in the master bath along with Jacuzzi tubs. Again, expect your linen closets and medicine cabinets to be looked at, so make sure they’re umm, yes you got it.
Cleaning tip: Do you have glass shower doors? You may have tried everything from CLR, Comet, to Clorox to clean them. Try a bottle of Resolve spot remover for carpet and fabric and with no effort run a dish sponge over it and watch every bit of the soap scum come off.
Basements and attics are a great place for storage. They’re also considered living spaces at times. Depending of course on the size, they can make for great rec rooms, offices, dens, and even an extra bedroom. If you have a space like this, and it’s not finished, finish it off if you can. Adding an extra living space in the home can add tremendous value and can set you apart from the house down the street. Basements should be dry, bright and as cheerful as possible. A newly finished room in the home may be decorated with some of the pictures and knickknacks you’ve removed from other areas, (hint, hint.) Oh, and please remove the clothes hanging near the dryer!
Mechanicals are and should be looked at seriously by buyers. There’s more to a home than wallpaper and granite countertops. Your furnace if not newer should be inspected, serviced if needed and make sure it’s clean. Not only will a clean furnace add to the quality of your home’s air, it will also prevent extra dust from settling on your freshly cleaned dresser and shelves! You should also have paperwork on the furnace and all major appliances if possible. Keep all warranties and paperwork in one place. We all suffer from extra envelopes hanging around. Storing all your important papers for the “home" in one place will not only make your mind feel better but it will also make your home look better!
You are aware of how to clean. Cleaning is not just scrubbing, but it’s also removing unnecessary items from the floors and around the home. Your home will leave its visitors with a much cleaner impression and it will also add space. Who knows, your guests just may want to buy your home!
For more useful tips and information visit: Youshouldown.com
Nice tips. Long article, but it's filled with great information.Thanks a lot! I hope it's been a help to anyone trying to sell their home in this interesting real estate market we're in.
