Kitchen
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|
| Clear counters $0 |
Clean counters give the impression of having space for
everything in the cupboards and they make the counter surface look
bigger. The rule here is taking everything off the counter and put
it in a cabinet or in storage. |
| Lights $50 |
Add concealed lighting under the cabinets to light up
the work surface. You can buy inexpensive "puck" halogen
lights that can be mounted using a screwdriver. They plug straight
into a standard power outlet so you don't need an electrician. |
| Appliances $2500 |
Unless they look new you should replace them. Relative
to the price of the house, appliances cost next to nothing and
they can add thousands or tens of thousands to the perceived value
in the mind of a buyer. (Right now go stainless steel for maximum
impact). Get the most basic appliance in the best finish (shop
around for floor models on sale). |
| Stuck Things $0 |
Remove anything pinned or taped to walls, appliances or
cabinets including fridge magnets. |
| Light fittings $100 |
Take a look at the main light fitting. Does it look
expensive? If not, upgrade it. If it's a ceiling fan consider
replacing the blades to a more modern look. |
| Floor mats $0 |
If you have mats on the floor remove them. A kitchen
floor will look cleaner and bigger without them. |
| Faucets $100 |
Install new faucets if you are feeling handy. Most
install with just a wrench and gleaming faucets impress buyers. If
the sink is stained or scratched, it should also be replaced. |
| Knobs & Handles $400 |
Replace doorknobs and handles to give older cabinets a
newer feel. |
Bathrooms
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|
| Mirrors $250 |
The bigger the better. Big mirrors give the illusion of
space in a small room. Always keep them polished. |
| Shower curtains $200 |
Upgrade them to luxury curtains with tie-backs (or
install a clear/tinted glass shower door/slider). |
| Lights $100 |
Bright is beautiful. Upgrade to make an impression. |
| Faucets $250 |
Replace them all unless they are new. |
| Floor mats $50 |
Either remove them or buy new ones. Don't leave down
worn or stained mats. |
| Grout $10 |
If you have tiles use bleach to lighten stained grout
or re-grout the tiles. Re-seal bath-tub edges or use a sealing
strip. |
Living Room
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| Lights $250 |
Upgrade to add a touch of class. Use table lamps and
standard lamps for added warmth and make the room bright even on
dark days. |
| De-clutter $0 |
Remove excess furniture. Unless it's a very large room,
have no more than one piece per wall on average. This minimalist
look will give the impression of space. Tidy away magazines,
remotes, nick-knacks and other clutter. |
| Family Photos $0 |
Replace family photos with landscape paintings or
photographs. This makes the house appear to buyers as less of
someone else's home and more as their possible new home. |
| Flowers $20 |
Adding fresh flowers makes the room more appealing to
buyers. |
Dining Room
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| Table & Chairs $1000 |
Size the table and chairs for the room so that there is
plenty of space to walk around the outside. If the room is small,
limit the furniture to just the table & chairs. Stick to
simply styles that reflect an element of quality (avoid cheap pine
tables and benches unless the room style calls for it). |
| Lights $300 |
Add a new chandelier over the table and make sure it's
on a dimmer. |
Bedrooms
|
| Lamps $300 |
New lamps to brighten dark corners. |
| Declutter $0 |
Clear everything off the tops of dressers. Pack away
most of the clothes from closets to leave them clean and
relatively lightly packed. (This makes closets seem bigger than
they are). |
General Interior
|
| Switch Plates $300 |
Upgrade all your switch plates to polished brass,
chrome, steel or wood. Make sure they are all the same style.
Every time a buyer looks for a light switch they'll be reminded
this is not a typical house. (Don't forget to replace the wall
plates on power outlets too). |
| Dimmer Switches $300 |
Add dimmer switches to the main lights in living areas. |
| Heating Thermostats $100 |
Upgrade to programmable thermostats and point them out
as a feature. |
| Carpets $1000 |
Have all carpets steam cleaned. (If they are looking
tired, always replace with new Berber carpets in a light neutral
color and request visitors remove shoes). |
| Wood Floors $2000 |
Unless they look new have them re-sanded and varnished.
This is relatively inexpensive and gives the buyer that "new
home" feeling. |
| Window Treatments $1000 |
Go with inexpensive lace treatments that let in plenty
of light but add a softer touch to the rooms. |
| Windows $0 |
Wash all windows and clean with window cleaner. |
Exterior
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| Door handles $100 |
Install new handles/locks. This is one of the first
things a buyer sees; first impressions count. |
| Front Door $20 |
For the same reason, repaint the front door and trim to
brighten its appearance. |
| Flowers $250 |
Plant annuals in beds around the front door / path. Use
hanging baskets to brighten the entrance. |