By Barbara Pronin, RISMedia Columnist
For the first time in several years, home prices are rising in many of the nation’s metropolitan areas. This is good news for homeowners who have been waiting to put their homes on the market. But competition can be stiff, and the savvy seller will put a few dollars and a little elbow grease into sprucing up his property to make it more attractive to potential buyers.
From California real estate agent Ellen Parker, here are five tips for improving your home’s eye appeal without breaking the bank:
Curb appeal counts – A buyer’s first impression is important. Be sure the lawns and landscaping are neatly trimmed, no toys or equipment clutter the lawn or driveway, and the front door and mat look fresh, clean, and inviting. Painting or replacing a faded front door can vastly improve the look of the property.
Neutralize the rooms – Especially if you have tended toward bright paint colors, it may be time for a coat of paint to neutralize the living areas of your home. Choosing a safe off-white or cream colored paint can improve the home’s eye appeal for a greater number of buyers.
Brighten the bathroom – Tired-looking or outdated bathrooms are frequently a buyer turn-off. But you don’t need to completely remodel. Replacing the sink and/or cabinet with a trendy new style or changing out the hardware for something snazzier can make a huge difference. Be sure the hanging towels and bath mat, and the shower curtain if you have one, are fresh and super clean.
Tidy the kitchen – Here again, a fresh coat of paint can improve the look of your kitchen – and even older flooring or countertops will look better when cleaned to a shine. Removing clutter from the countertops – including canisters and some small appliances – will help create a feeling of space. Keep all sponges and towels out of view and be sure the sink is shiny clean and free of dirty dishes.
Let the light in – Dark rooms are another turn-off. Especially when you know your home will be shown, open the drapes and curtains to let natural light in.
From California real estate agent Ellen Parker, here are five tips for improving your home’s eye appeal without breaking the bank:
Curb appeal counts – A buyer’s first impression is important. Be sure the lawns and landscaping are neatly trimmed, no toys or equipment clutter the lawn or driveway, and the front door and mat look fresh, clean, and inviting. Painting or replacing a faded front door can vastly improve the look of the property.
Neutralize the rooms – Especially if you have tended toward bright paint colors, it may be time for a coat of paint to neutralize the living areas of your home. Choosing a safe off-white or cream colored paint can improve the home’s eye appeal for a greater number of buyers.
Brighten the bathroom – Tired-looking or outdated bathrooms are frequently a buyer turn-off. But you don’t need to completely remodel. Replacing the sink and/or cabinet with a trendy new style or changing out the hardware for something snazzier can make a huge difference. Be sure the hanging towels and bath mat, and the shower curtain if you have one, are fresh and super clean.
Tidy the kitchen – Here again, a fresh coat of paint can improve the look of your kitchen – and even older flooring or countertops will look better when cleaned to a shine. Removing clutter from the countertops – including canisters and some small appliances – will help create a feeling of space. Keep all sponges and towels out of view and be sure the sink is shiny clean and free of dirty dishes.
Let the light in – Dark rooms are another turn-off. Especially when you know your home will be shown, open the drapes and curtains to let natural light in.
Copyright© 2012 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission.
I specialize
in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.
I have over
25 years experience in the real estate industry. As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and
Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the
expectations of my clientele. If you are
considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me
about our latest internet marketing systems.
I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. I am experienced in listing and selling short
sales. For information on the short sale
process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.
My past
awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of
Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year
2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors, Top
Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia
Association of Realtors. I am a member
of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.
I have lived
in Loudoun County since 1979. I am
married with two grown children and two grandchildren. My son in law is my business partner in real
estate. I love to jog in the mornings
and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.
Loudoun County and Northern Virginia
Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and
sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun
County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince
William Counties. Our local neighborhoods include Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton,
Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone,
Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont. Cell 703.727.9885 Office 703.574.3800
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