Home For Sale - Tune Up

Before you go to the expense of replacing major components, try some of these tips:

• Trim the vegetation around your home -- particularly those bushes that may conceal windows. Then be sure that your landscaping looks great all of the time, even if you have to hire a gardener while your home is listed.

• Invite visitors into your home by placing yellow flowers near or at the entry porch. Yellow draws the eye, and potential buyers will feel immediately welcome.

• If there is patio furniture or BBQ and playground equipment in the backyard, be sure it is in good repair.

• If you know the day that your home will be shown, buy a loaf of frozen bread and bake it before the potential buyers arrive. Leave the exhaust hood off so the odor will spread throughout the house. You could put the oven on warm, and place the cookie sheet inside with a little cinnamon on it. As the cinnamon warmes up, well, you get the idea.

• In the Master Suite bath a pleasant a odor is a good idea too. Do NOT use potpourri. Many people are allergic to it. Instead, get some cheap strawberry bath bubbles at the drug store, and run a half tub full of hot water with the bubbles. After you let the water out, the room will have a pleasing atmosphere, and most people won't know why.

• I think it goes without saying, but I've learned to say it anyway…..The family room and a child's room needs to be picked up, and the beds made.

• Take down family photos on the hallway and living room walls. If you're trying to sell your home, it pays to let the buyer imagine their photos on the walls. I don't think this is necessary in the Master Suite — As a matter of fact I believe that family photos on the dresser there and around the TV entertainment area of your home imply that this house is a "good family" place.
• Remove excess furniture. I know, ALL of your furniture is necessary, but..... Take a tour of the model homes at your local builder, and you'll find furniture that is two-thirds of normal size, and very little of it. Why?…. Because it makes the rooms look larger.

• Speaking of making things look larger, my last suggestion is the hardest one for me. My garage has never been clean, but you should clean yours out before you list your home, even it this means you have to rent a storage facility. Also, leave the cars out when your home is to be shown.

  If these tips don't help, then you can consider doing the expensive things. But give the tips above a try first. I can testify they can make a home appealing and that appealing homes get more offers.

Kitchen Fixes Can Increase Your Asking Price

Most Realtors will tell you that improvements to your kitchen will add more value to your house than just about any other interior fix-up. Many buyers focus on the look and feel of the kitchen. If it's outdated and shabby, they might move on to the next house. Kitchen fixes don't necessarily have to be costly. You need to decide whether cosmetic changes are enough or if you need some serious fixing up.

The key to a sellable kitchen is one that feels inviting. Color has a lot to do with the allure. Light colors reflect window light and can really brighten up a kitchen. Warm colors can take away the sterile feel of some spaces. If you have a lot of hanging pots and pans or distinctive cabinets, cool, medium shades can show off your woodwork and cookware. This can boost the buyer's impression of kitchen quality. Here are some pointers:

1. Paint it. Pick a color that compliments the cabinets, appliances and furniture. Tip: Keep the ceiling light to brighten the room.

2. Refresh your cabinets with a coat of paint. Woods and stains go out of style just like colors do. Fresh painted cabinets can look much more appealing than dingy wood. Tip: Change the handles while you're at it. This makes your cabinets look new.

3. Replace your countertops. Countertops are trendy. Replacing them can be an inexpensive way to make the kitchen feel new. Tip: Get nice-looking countertops, not expensive one, since you won't be around to enjoy them.

4. Change out the fridge and stove. If you were planning on getting new appliances, you might want to put them in the old kitchen first to make it a show kitchen. Note on the contract that they're not part of the deal and you can take them with you.Tip: Don't replace the dishwasher, since they're mounted in the cabinets and almost always considered part of the house.

5. Replace the light fixtures and globes. This can make the room sparkle. Tip: If they're hopeless, replace them. New fixtures can be inexpensive.