Buyers are emotionally drawn to homes that look modern and feel “warm” and inviting. Homes not only have to be clean, bright and spacious, but also have new and updated touches to attract buyers. Here are some items to consider:
1. Slipcovers: If your home has old or patterned upholstery, seriously consider adding solid-colored slipcovers to refresh and update it. Neutral colors are your best bet.
2. Paint: A fresh coat of paint to cover up harsh walls or strong colors will go a long way in giving your home that “clean, light and bright” look.
3. Remove Wallpaper: Wallpaper is generally too personal to attract buyers, unless it’s a neutral fabric. The best thing is to remove the wallpaper and repaint the walls with off-white, sage green, gray or beige colors, according to current trends.
4. For marred or scratched kitchen cabinets/tables, use a wood finishing product like Restorzit to make them look like new again, without sanding or restaining.
5. Get rid of bathroom toilet seat covers and mats, which scream “granny” and “germs.” Bathrooms should have white or ivory shower curtains and towels for a super clean look.
6. Use a standard window cleaner OR two teaspoons of vinegar in a liter of warm water to make the windows shine.
7. If you can’t afford to replace outdated chandeliers and chandeliers, paint them with silver or bronze spray paint made for metal and add new shades of white. You can also use a hot glue gun to add trim bands to the bottom of the blinds for a more elegant look. Another option is to hang magnetic beads from chandeliers.
8. Replace outdated switch plates with chrome or white.
9. Replace outdated towel bars and curtain rods. Wood and clear plastic curtain rods are outdated.
10. Create an inexpensive designer look on a coffee table by filling hurricane vases or apothecary jars with polished stones, glass beads, colorful candies, or seasonal items like acorns, pine cones, or Christmas decorations. A grouping of three always pleasant looks.
11. If you don’t have a headboard in the master bedroom, create the look of one by hanging one large horizontal canvas or three square or rectangular canvases. Alternatively, make an inexpensive headboard by having a big box home store cut three panels of 3/8″ plywood
18″ by 18″ (or two 30″ x 30″ panels) for a queen bed, then paint and hang on the wall. Black or dark brown paint/stain will give the appearance of a wood headboard.
12. MirrorMate frames are a great product for upgrading “standard of construction” frameless bathroom mirrors.
13. Replace outdated brass hardware with chrome, brushed nickel or bronze faucets or knobs.
14. Organic Touches: Artificial plants, trees, and flowers add real warmth and beauty to any space. If you have a green thumb, by all means go for the real ones. Pier One, HomeGoods, and Michael’s are excellent resources for fake flowers.
15. Bring on-trend accessories like vases, fancy boxes, bowls with decorative balls, dark wicker baskets, white candles and candle holders, a new welcome mat, and maybe some new pillows for chairs, sofas, and beds.
16. Hang solid, light-colored curtains (or curtains with a color band that coordinates with another color in the room) in a fabric that suits the season: sheer, linen, or polyester (looks like silk for a lot less money) for the spring and summer, thick cotton for winter. Hang them at ceiling height when ceilings are the typical 7- or 8-foot height, to visually “extend” windows. Keep the curtains to one side to let in the most light and show the view.
Now, buyers will be drawn to the beauty of your home, remember it, and hopefully start bidding! Happy staging and selling!