If you are planning to sell your home, then you know that you only have one chance to make a good first impression. If the people pulling up to your home don’t like what they see on the outside, then they won’t be bothered with stepping inside to see what the interior looks like — you’ve already lost a potential buyer.

When real estate agents talk about staging a home, they are referring to arranging the inside of the home in a certain way to maximize its appeal. On the outside, “street presence” or “curb appeal” are two terms commonly used and that is what I’ll cover with you here.

Please read on for some valuable tips that can make a difference for you, especially in a  slow-selling housing market:

Luscious Landscaping — You may enjoy the gardens in front of your home, but a potential buyer may not, especially if what you are growing could mean a lot of work for them. Trim back all unnecessary shrubbery and if that maple tree in the front yard looks sickly, cut it back or remove it.

Paint or Replace Siding — Peeling paint or loose siding can be a drag on any possible sale — you need to make sure that your home doesn’t scream immediate repairs needed when offered for sale.

Update the Garage Doors — If your garage is behind your home, then how it looks isn’t too much of a concern. However, if it is attached to your home and facing the street, what sort of impression do the doors make? Replace that drab, windowless garage door with a contemporary or classic design that includes windows.

Make a Grand Entrance — Your home’s front door and surrounding railings and trim could possibly use some updating. If a door is peeling, then paint it, if lighting is dated, then update it, and if molding is lacking, consider adding it. Thinkflair when redesigning your homes exterior.

Fix Those Fixtures — Broken or drab light fixtures should be replaced. Installing one outdoor post light can have a profound affect on the way your home looks; consider replacing older doorway lights and security lights if they have not aged gracefully.

Replace Gutters and Downspouts — They may not leak and they could still do a decent job of directing water away from the house, but rusty gutters and downspouts can detract from a home’s appearance. If paint won’t do the job, then replace.

Update the Roof, Replace as Needed — Your current roof may pass home inspection, but will it pass the scrutiny of a buyer? The shingles may be fine, but updating the entrance way to incorporate a gabled roof could be a wise move on your part.

Of course, these recommended changes could cost you several thousands of dollars to carry out, but it could be the investment needed to move your home. In a slow-selling market, you need every advantage you can get. Don’t scare off potential home buyers with a home that isn’t attractive to them.

Resources

Home Management Guide

Home Remodeling Center

Tags: curb appeal, doors, driveway, garage doors, gardens, gutters, home exterior, home interior, home staging, landscaping, roof, shrubs, trees, windows

It is true that we Americans have an awful lot of stuff. We are true consumers, buying so many of the things that catch our eyes. Truly, do we need everything that can be found in our homes?

Garage, yard, and other types of sales are a great way to get rid of unneeded possessions. That is, if we have a mind to get rid of all of our clutter.

For some households, having too much stuff isn’t the issue — having the room to store what isn’t needed for the season is. Not all homes are 2500 square feet or larger — many people live in smaller homes or have larger families and they simply need the space.

Outdoor storage sheds are an important way to handle the overflow. Bicycles, lawn equipment and tools, sporting equipment, and outdoor furniture can easily be placed inside, freeing up needed space in the garage, under the deck, or on the porch. If you select a unit that is large enough, you can put up shelving and store files, boxes and other items you don’t want sitting on the ground.

When choosing a storage shed consider the following:

• Estimate the space you will need for storage. Plan for the future and allow for additional room as your family grows or your needs change.

• If ventilation and natural lighting is needed, choose a shed with windows.

• Select a unit with double hinged doors to move heavier equipment in and out.

• Plywood flooring should be sufficient, but do you need walling?

• Is your shed tall enough to walk around inside of without bending over?

• Is a shed made of galvanized steel sufficient or do you prefer wood? How about plastic?

There are many different accessories you can choose from for your storage shed including cedar siding, storm windows, electrical hook up, flower boxes, shingles, cupolas, and more.

Of course, when choosing a shed you need a flat surface and good drainage to ensure that water moves away from the shed.  Building up the ground around the shed may be necessary in order to provide the right pitch away from the unit.

Now can be a great time to buy a shed as builders and retailers seek to move inventory. By shopping around, you can get the perfect storage unit for a price that cannot be beat.

Resources

Home Improvement Showcase

Remodeling Your Home

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Tags: cedar shed, doors, galvanized steel, shingles, storage building, storage shed, windows, wood shed

Not every homeowner has the deep pockets to carry out an extensive home improvement project, but there are several smaller jobs you can do which will add value to your home and bring you satisfaction. Especially if you are preparing your home for sale, you’ll want to make it look its best in order to attract buyers who are willing to pay your asking price.

Basic Projects Which Maximize Value

The front of the house is the first thing buyers see, so if your home’s street presence isn’t what it should be take an honest look at what needs to be done to spiff up your home.

Trim back overgrown brushes, plant flowers, and tidy up the lawn. Remove lawn clutter — i.e, lawn statues, bird baths and furniture — that could be overwhelming your yard. You may not have to paint the house, but touching up the garage and around the windows and doors can take you far. If window panes are rotted or the front door is broken, repairing the problem may not do. Consider replacing windows and doors in one project to save money.

If you aren’t selling your home, the newer windows will reduce your home’s energy costs, giving you back some of the money you spent on the work. Inside the home, there are several projects you can handle yourself:

• Paint whatever walls need painting and repair carpeting that is ripped or worn.

• You may not have the skills to re-tile your bath, but grouting the tile can brighten the bath’s appearance while preserving the tile.

• Your kitchen flooring can be ripped up or you can place a fresh layer of new tile over the existing tile.

• Instead of refacing the kitchen cabinets, add a fresh coat to them. Visit your local hardware store to obtain the latest tips and color choices.

• If you have wood floors in the home, apply polish. If the floors are heavily stained or showing a lot of wear, consider renting a sander to strip it free of imperfections, applying a durable and long lasting stain finish when done.

When done, your home can look like a million bucks without you having busted your budget in the process. Whether choosing to sell it or enjoy it, your basic projects can add value and enjoyment to your home.

Resources

Doors and Windows

Garden Maintenance

Home Projects

Upstairs/Master Bathroom

Tags: bathrooms, carpeting, dining room, doors, home projects, home renovation, Home Tips, kitchen, living room, windows