Posted by Laurie Randazzo on Sat, Aug 22, 2009 @ 08:43 AM
You may be hearing more about “staging” your home before putting it on the market for sale, but according to Melissa Birdsong, vice president for Trend, Design and Brand for Lowe’s www.lowes.com
, “refreshing” your home will really help set it apart from the others—and that’s critically important in today’s buyer’s market.
We are frequently asked for ways homeowners can make their home stand apart from the rest on the market. While having a well-staged home is now the rule rather than the exception for a faster sell and a better price, Birdsong suggests thinking beyond the obvious for ways to make your entire home feel updated and inspired. Here are some great recommendations we thought you should consider?
A fresh coat of paint on worn walls provides a “wow” factor without excessive cost or effort. While this isn’t new news, something that tends to get overlooked (and can have just as much impact) is painting the trim and other accents that may have gotten scuffed or dingy over the years. Freshly painted trim work is cleaner and a healthy home environment is very appealing to buyers.
Hardware is a quick fix. Switching out knobs and pulls in the kitchen or bath will catch the eye and revive an entire room. Taking it a step further to update faucets, light fixtures and even switch plates can take a space from ordinary to inspiring.
Updating “unattached items”. Area rugs, lamps and plants are also quick ways to add life and warmth to a room with the convenience of portability.
And don’t forget first impressions—exactly how fast are prospective buyers driving past the home? No brake lights? A quick tap and then accelerate? Or do they come to a full stop to get a better look? That fresh, new interior will never be revealed if the curb appeal of the exterior is blasé. Everything from container gardening and clean welcome mats to new storm doors and shutters can pull that buyer into your drive.
Artistic staging can showcase the best features in a home. But in today’s market, take a refreshing approach—go that extra mile and look for ways to make the home memorable to a potential buyer.
Contact us today 781-729-6200 for professional stager recommendations. We can make selling homes stress free. If you feel this information can be helpful to others you may know, I encourage you to forward this information to them. Let us know what your opinion! We welcome your comments.
Posted by Laurie Randazzo on Tue, Nov 25, 2008 @ 09:41 AM
I planned to rake my leaves this week. It's pouring rain today. Raking in the rain is not recommended - best to get on it as soon as the yard is dry again. If you are a home seller, raking your leaves will increase your curb appeal and attract more home buyers.
Here are some great tips:
Rake or mulch this weekend.
Thanksgiving is this week and you haven’t raked your leaves yet? What are you waiting for?! Here are some great tips to tidy up your lawn if you don’t have the time to bag them.
Nature will take care of them for you. Unless you have a very heavy layer of leaves, they won't smother your lawn. Most lawns are going dormant by the time leaves start to fall so don’t be worried that the leaves will kill your beautiful landscaped lawn. Leaves biodegrade and they'll decompose by the spring. Use the lawn mower to mulch the leaves and rake them onto your planting beds – its nutrient rich for next spring’s growth.
What a messy lawn.
Most people don't like the look of leaves on a manicured lawn. Leaves can also make sidewalks slippery, so it's best to clear them off sidewalks and walkways. If you need help, recruit the neighborhood kids. There is nothing better than the pleasure of jumping into a huge pile of leaves. The kids will be thrilled to help! Ok, if you must rake, collect your leaves into paper yard waste bags - it's environmentally responsible.
If you need a referral for a local landscaper to give you a helping hand, check out our web site for recommended vendors.
Happy Thanksgiving!! Laurie and Bill