July 11, 2003

Small improvements help chances of selling home

It’s that time of year again. Temperatures are warmer, days are longer, and our thoughts are turning to happy things like fresh coats of paint and a clutter-free basement.

Yes, the house-shopping season is in full swing, and many of us are getting ready for all those potential buyers. Homeowners can dramatically affect how quickly their houses will sell, and for how much, by making just a few small improvements. First impressions are important. Some minor repairs, a fresh coat of paint and new carpeting may be well worth the time and money.

“It’s amazing how the details can make a big difference for a potential buyer,” says Todd Imholte, president of Environmental Graphics, a Minnesota-based company that specializes in decorative products for the home. “Just a small investment can pay off in a big way for the seller.”

SPONSORED CONTENT

Solar Operations and Maintenance for Commercial Properties

One key qualification to consider when selecting a solar partner to install your system is whether they have an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) or service department. Since solar is a long-term asset with an expected lifecycle of 30 plus years, ongoing O&M should be considered up front. A trusted O&M partner will maximize your system’s energy output and therefor the return on your investment.

What’s the best way to whip your house into shape for those eagle-eyed buyers?

The experts at Environmental Graphics, soldbyowner.com and homenetworkonline.com have the following suggestions:

Interior. There are a lot of little things that can be done to spruce up the interior of your house inexpensively and in a couple of weekends. Your goal is to create a space that projects the impression of warmth and spaciousness, and appears clean, bright and inviting.

* Put a fresh coat of paint on the most-used areas of the home. This makes the rooms look cleaner and brighter. Wash the walls where paint is not appropriate.

* Get rid of clutter. Clean out closets, garage, basement and attic. If necessary, use an off-site storage facility for a few months.

* Make sure the entire bathroom is sparkling clean and well lit. An easy way to spruce up your tiles or fixtures is with Environmental Graphics Stick’n Stile appliqués. These decorative elements create a custom ceramic look that can give your bathroom an instant makeover. Available designs, which can be coordinated with towels and other bath accessories, include Geo Squares, Water World, Summertime and Fiji Palms.

* The kitchen should look clean and fresh. Make sure all appliances are gleaming and in working order. Check cabinet doors: They may need a fresh coat of paint or new knobs. Pack away small kitchen appliances to create an uncluttered look.

* All carpets should be professionally cleaned. If you have hardwood floors, give them a fresh coat of polyurethane.

* Fill your home with pleasant scents and sounds. Get rid of any bad smells such as pet or cigarette odors. Simmer a few drops of vanilla in water on the stove or bake bread or cookies. Scatter around bowls of potpourri or fresh flowers. Play some light classical or jazz softly in the background.

Exterior: “Curb appeal” is important, and can actually make or break a sale. From the street, your house should look cared-for and well maintained.

* Make sure the sidewalk and front walkway is swept and free of weeds. If possible, repair cracks. Don’t forget about the driveway and garage. Both should be swept and free of debris.

* Cut the grass and trim the shrubs. If you don’t have any flowerbeds, place a few potted flowers out front. Make sure hoses are coiled up and out of the way. In the fall, make sure leaves are raked.

* Add a new coat of paint to the exterior, or if you don’t want to spend the money, consider just painting the trim, shutters and doorway.

* Replace any broken or missing shingles from the roof, and remove leaves and branches. Check the gutters and chimney.

* Wash the windows inside and out. Make sure screens are clean and in good repair.

* Make sure the doorbell is working, and that the house numbers are easily readable.

By paying attention to the details inside and out, before a house is put on the market, sellers will be more likely to get the price they are asking, and in a shorter amount of time.

Article provided by ARA Content.

It’s that time of year again. Temperatures are warmer, days are longer, and our thoughts are turning to happy things like fresh coats of paint and a clutter-free basement.

Yes, the house-shopping season is in full swing, and many of us are getting ready for all those potential buyers. Homeowners can dramatically affect how quickly their houses will sell, and for how much, by making just a few small improvements. First impressions are important. Some minor repairs, a fresh coat of paint and new carpeting may be well worth the time and money.

“It’s amazing how the details can make a big…

Categories:
Sign up for BizWest Daily Alerts