Sellers Beware!
Don't be unnecessarily greedy By overpricing your home in the beginning, you could actually end up settling for a lower price than you would have normally received. If you start out with a high sales price, then drop it later -- your house is "old news." Beware of the practice; be realistic. Buyers are some of the best critics in gauging appropriate prices. More and more people investing in real estate educate themselves, do their research and won't be fooled.
The Key Areas!
Bathrooms and the kitchen are two of the most important areas in your home because they are the most personal. Keep these areas clean and odourless, remember strangers are hyper sensitive and notice the slightest things. Put yourself in their shoes and try to imagine how comfortable you would be buying your home in its present condition.
Kitchen Counter Tops
Kitchen countertops create bold statements and become the feature point of the entire room. Changing the countertops is simple way to make a big change. You can use laminates to keep your costs low or opt for the better stuff, granite. Granite remains the popular choice because it can handle a hot pan, is very durable, and looks superb. the dimensional stability that natural stone has to offer but want a bit of a break on the wallet, then engineered stone such as Silestone might be for you. Ceramic tile is also a great choice for your countertops and it doesn't have to end there, you can continue your tile up to the back splash for a whole new look. Laminate countertops are available in standard sizes at your local Home Depot.
Cabinets
Cabinet replacement is one of the most expensive parts of a remodeling project. But in many cases, you can create an entirely new look to the kitchen by giving those cabinets the love they deserve. If your cabinets are in good shape but you just are not thrilled with their finish, you have many options to change their appearance. You can strip off the original finish and stain them any way you like. For the more adventurous, vintage wallpaper is such a hot ticket right now; patterns are available in Asian prints, floral, stripes, or botanicals.
Appliances
Appliances that are old and outdated will definitely lower the appeal of any nice kitchen. Stainless steel always gives that extra 'oomph' which helps elevate the overall value of the house. Just remember although appliances may look the same from the outside, there are many differences 'under the hood.' Choose energy efficient appliances that'll help you save on monthly bills. New faucets also make a nice feature in an otherwise dreary looking space. Faucet replacements are also fairly simple plumbing projects with all of the parts available at your local hardware store. The new flash will add a fresh and clean sparkle that'll be sure to please.
Lighting
Atmospheric lighting isn't just for the bedroom anymore, its as important to give the kitchen a cozy feeling, though remember to be sensible of course, you need enough light to clearly see what you are doing, after all its where all the knives are.
Window and Decoration
That little window in your kitchen can give an extra pep as well. Delicate frills or lacy curtains can dramatically change the look of an otherwise sterile area. Delicate additives such as dried flowers or spices tied in string are a cute accent as well. Remember you needn't make the entire makeover expensive to be effective, a little imagination and a good scan through several interior design magazines is enough.
Add Colorful Tile for Personality Revitalize Your Cabinetry Change Your Light Fixtures Replace Your Plumbing Fixtures Try a New Wall Treatment Upgrade Your Electrical to Enjoy Entertaining and Relaxing Benefits Sometimes, considering the basics is not enough. You can declutter, repair and renew aspects of your home but what could be lacking is that extra step; dressing up your space. People generally need a visual ‘push’ to see how much potential or possibilities a certain room really has. You can’t depend upon everyone to use their imaginations. The art of home staging can create miraculous changes. These changes don’t have to be drastic or extensive, but can simply depend on small changes. Stretches of empty space, such as walls, floors or hallways can appear lonely or boring. Suggesting color, lines, motifs or any kind of a visual attraction can be arranged with an array of object such as: Remember not to make the mistake of going over board, these additives are accents; small things that lend a special perk to an otherwise bland area. The look of things fresh, new and shiny always helps to bring an instant feeling of well being. Try some of these tricks as well to liven up any room: Bathrooms are areas of the home that especially need that extra something. Try these little tricks for that luxurious ‘spa’ feeling:
Brighten up a neutral bathroom with brightly colored tile. If tiling your entire bathroom is out of the question, mix and match tile colors above the sink or bathtub to create your own wall mosaic. Consider choosing a colorful grout to further customize your creation.
Give life to old cabinets by restaining, painting or refacing them. Or replace them altogether with new cabinets. While bathroom cabinets can help set the tone of the room, they also need to be functional. Choose cabinets that provide adequate storage or add additional shelving to your current cabinets.
Swap out your old light fixtures for newer ones that allow the option of having softer light for those relaxing evenings in the tub as wellas brighter light for getting ready in the morning.
Nothing dates a bathroom like a dingy, basic 1970s chrome faucet. Today's faucets have become the inspiration for an entire bathroom. From elegant waterfall to traditional fixtures, chrome to brass, there are more options than ever to choose from.
The simplest -- and most inexpensive -- way to update any room is to tackle those walls. The small space is the perfect place to try a bold color or bright shade that might be overwhelming elsewhere in your home.
People are spending more and more time in their bathrooms these days-relaxing, rejuvenating, and just hiding away. And, now there are more uses for an electrical outlet than a hair dryer. Consider upgrading your electrical system to allow for entertainment (TVs and stereos) and relaxation (jetted foot tubs and facial saunas). Preparing your home for the next step; Do-it-yourself home staging