HOME UPDATES THAT ADD VALUE

Sellers are not happy campers. The market is still slow and the values have declined. Once under contract, deals fall through because of inspections or appraisals. Being one who sees the glass as half full, I thought maybe I would share some thoughts on what to do to make your home more valuable. The first thing to do is to DeClutter. We all have too much junk in our homes and buyers expect to see pristine spaces like in a model home. Rent a storage space or fill up your garage even. Recycling is IN! Next change fixtures and hardware. I need to do this as my home is 14 years old and the hardware yells Old! Old! Upgrading sinks, shower heads and faucets with water conservation models has double value. Then replace your appliances. White is out; red washer and dryers are in; brushed stainless steel is definitely popular. With energy efficient models you get a tax writeoff and add instant value. Then spiff up the landscaping. Are those landscape rocks full off debris? Are the plants woody and overgrown. Take them out! Shrink your lawn and there you have another cost savings on water. I just did mine and love it. Clean it inside and outside. Many forget to dust or touch-up the eaves, clean windows, or reseal windows for more energy efficiency. Might as well invest in adding value and saving money while you wait for this market to pick up. Call me for a free valuation. Lots of people spend too much and do the wrong things in getting a house ready. Put me to work!