Remember the last time you visited an upscale furniture showroom?
The furniture and fixtures on display probably looked great. The colours and textures jumped out at you. It was a feast for the eyes! There is a good reason for this: lighting.
Of course, the quality of the products has a lot to do with how appealing they look when on display. But smart retailers know that proper lighting is key to making those products look their best. In fact, some retailers even hire lighting consultants!
What does this have to do with selling your home quickly, and for the best price? Obviously, when showing your property to potential buyers, you want your home to look its very best. Proper lighting can be a big help.
When preparing your home for sale, review the lighting in each room and make sure the space is sufficiently well lit. You want the lighting to be strong enough to prevent dark or shadowy areas, yet not so strong that it's uncomfortable for the eyes.
As a rule of thumb, the total wattage of lights in a room should equal the room's square footage times 1.5. So, if a room is 120 square feet and has three light sources (ceiling light and two lamps) then the bulbs in each should be 60 watts.
Pay particular attention to traditionally dark areas, such as the garage, basement, and closets. Make sure those areas are well lit. If you have a viewing scheduled during the day, take advantage of natural light through windows. Open the curtains!
Finally, one of the most important areas is the foyer. Always make sure the entrance has sufficient lighting. You don't want buyers to think they've entered the home of classic TV's The Adam's Family! Want more ideas for preparing your home for sale? Call today.
If you don't own one already, or you need a new and improved TV for your new home, you may be tempted to purchase a widescreen digital television to enjoy your favourite movies, shows and sports programs. However, it can be difficult to select the right screen size, especially if you've been accustomed to viewing a TV with a traditional 4:3 screen. When it comes to size, there are many factors that come into play, such as screen resolution and personal preference. However, the last thing you want is to purchase an HDTV that is too small for the room, or so big that it dominates the space. Here's a tip: The rule of thumb is to take the distance you'll be sitting from the television and multiple by five to get the screen size you need. So if you'll be sitting eight feet away, you'll want to look at HDTVs with screens that are in the 35- 45 inch range. A good electronics dealer can help you make the best choice.
And remember to test out how high the TV will be. Although most of us think it is best to place up high - usually right over the fireplace - it can be uncomfortable for your neck over the long term.
What's one of the most important rooms in your home? When it comes to selling your property quickly, and for the best price, the answer is clearly the kitchen.
In fact, one of the most common explanations a particular buyer gives for not making an offer is, "I liked the house, but I wasn't too keen on the kitchen."
That doesn't mean you must do a major renovation. However, you should do what you can to make the kitchen as attractive as possible to buyers.
Here are some ideas:
First, clear the countertops. Put away the toaster and other items. You want to make the entire countertop area seem as spacious as possible.
If the cabinetry is old, you can spruce it up by installing new knobs, handles and other hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can also make the kitchen look like it has had a major renovation – and it will only cost you a few hundred dollars.
According to an article on the website HDTV.com, "The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware." Replacing the countertops is a more expensive renovation, but it may be worth it if the current counters are old and worn.
Finally, when preparing your kitchen for a viewing, make sure it's clean and tidy. I can't tell you how many times my buyers are completely turned off by the uncleanliness of homes, especially if they are not fixer-uppers. It makes potential buyers think that if the house is not taken care of, then what they can't see will definately be in a state of disrepair!
The garbage and recycling bins should be empty. Buyers will open cabinets so make sure items on shelves are neatly organized with the front labels facing forward.
There are many other ways to make the most important room in your home look great to potential buyers. Call today for more ideas.
Cheers,
Michele Colbertt
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