With the holidays done and dusted, it’s likely you’ve spent a few moments reflecting on your home and what you would like to do to improve its function or your enjoyment of it.
Spending so much time with the family under one roof often focuses thoughts on the good, bad, and ugly of your home. Perhaps you’ve noticed how everyone loves the open fireplace but been frustrated at the kitchen congestion at meal times.
As experienced agents, we’ve worked with lots of clients who decided their homes were no longer fit-for-purpose and it was time to move. And we also know a few that checked out the local market but felt it made more sense to remodel or undertake minor upgrades.
If you’re in the sell-now camp, this is the ideal moment to start writing that “to do” list to prepare your property for the spring sales season: one of the most active times of year for buyers.
Creating a plan to address any shortcomings you’ve noticed will help achieve the best possible price. Below are a few common concerns that can be remedied at a relatively low cost.
First impressions
With the sale of your home firmly on the agenda, invest in your front yard and porch as soon as the weather allows. They are fundamental to giving prospective buyers a favourable first impression. New outside lights, a freshly-painted front door and flowerbeds that can be planted full of blooms for spring will make a huge difference.
Find privacy
If neighbours can look into your home, consider new blinds that allow light in while keeping prying eyes out to ensure privacy.
In the spotlight
If painting is one of the best low-cost ways to revitalise a room, then lighting isn’t far behind. Refreshing your kitchen and living areas by changing out light fixtures can make a stunning difference. And, since retro is back, why not check out second hand stores and markets to find a unique showpiece.
Keep it natural
On the topic of light, you should always maximize the amount of sunlight coming into your home. Avoid placing furniture in front of windows, and pull back the curtains to let the natural light flood in.
Stow it
Storage is a common challenge. With totes in every shape and size on sale in January, it’s a good time take advantage of the lower prices. Choosing the stackable kind allows you to maximize space vertically. And don’t forget about the simple utility of racks and hooks to get life’s clutter off the floor.
Donate away
Here’s a good rule to keep your home from becoming cluttered: If you haven’t used “IT” in a year, it’s time to box “IT” up and donate “IT” to someone, or somewhere, that will make good use of “IT”. Like the yonana that makes an ice creamy treat out of frozen bananas…. yep, it’s in the box already.
Whether you’re in the “sell-now” or “time to update” camp, completing your “to do” list will add to the enjoyment and value of your home both inside and out!
Sincerely,
The Rosts
INFORMATION HERIN DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED