Funny, but every house I enter, I immediately think about how it's going to sell….even if I'm working on one that isn't going on the market!!
We're currently working with someone who just bought a home in Richfield. The house needs some fix ups, but because she is going to stay in the home for 6-7 years, my advice is much different than preparing a home for sale…..or for someone who plans to live there for many years to come.
Paint: When you're painting to sell, I personally like warm tan colors. I know that everyone thinks you should paint off-white to stay as neutral as possible, but a wall with a little bit of color looks so much more inviting. If you're staying in your home…..go for all the color you want…(but get it back to warm tan before you sell again)!! Then, use Behr paint (found at Home Depot). We paint A LOT (my Husband says that he has a paint brush permanently stuck in his hand) and we have tried almost every brand. Behr Premium Plus goes on really well and covers well. Another tip is to use flat paint where you can……it doesn't show as many wall imperfections as paint with a sheen.
Countertops: Boy is this an important area. The home we're in right now has very old laminate tops that are chipped quite badly. If you're selling, you have a couple of options. Talk to your Realtor before you invest in a new countertop. Everyone wants granite right now, but are you going to get the return on your money for this kind of investment? There are laminate tops that have the "look" of granite and may work for your situation. For the Client we're working with currently, I advised her against laminate because she's going to re-sell in 6 years or so. A solid surface top (Corian, Cambria or Granite) would be money well spent for her. Just be careful with granite……there are companies that sell cheaper granite, but it's often thinner and will have problems.
Carpet: There are so many carpet options. If you're selling, you can get some really good buys to upgrade the look of the home without spending huge money. But, if you're staying in the home, spend a little more. It's worth it. In this Home Owner's case, I recommended a middle of the road carpet (no pets, no kids and staying there 7 years). This probably saved her a good $1,500 or so and the carpet will look good when she sells again. Whether selling or staying, I ALWAYS recommend a neutral tan type color. Don't install a unique color that may date the home later on. Finally, I ALWAYS recommend installing the same carpet in the entire bedroom/hallway area. It makes the rooms look bigger.
Lights: I love lights!! They can update a home almost faster than any change you can make. There are some beautiful fixtures out there and you don't have to spend a fortune putting them in. Again, selling or staying, it's a great way to change the look of your home. Of course, I tell everyone that when "brass" fixtures come back in, I'm going to sell our house!!
That's all for this week! Stay warm!!!!!
Jeri Pischke
TENDER HEART TRANSITIONS INC.
www.TenderHeartTransitions.com
