Love It And List It (...Or Don't)
TAKE THE INSIDE OUT
“Are you getting ready to sell your place?” More than one neighbor asked me this when my home’s hardwood floors were being refinished and the interior painted. The truth was that I simply wanted to care for the place I call home. Too often we wait until we’re thinking of selling to give a little TLC to our frequently- neglected abodes, only to be struck with a pang of sadness—“I didn’t know it could look like this!”
NEW OR REFINISHED FLOORING
You can paint the walls and change the decor, but if your flooring is shabby or outdated, the whole room (or house) suffers. With so many modern flooring options to choose from, your replacement flooring will not only look better, but may be more durable and easier to maintain. If you have hardwood floors, they can be refinished and stained to look like new. For instance, a deep, rich Jacobean stain on red oak floors totally transforms their appearance.
PAINT EVERYTHING
A fresh coat of paint works miracles on walls, doors, woodwork, exterior trim, front door, porch, and shutters. Plus, it’s fun to choose up-to-date colors that match your personality. If you’re painting to sell, select a pleasant neutral color for your walls, such as Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist.
CABINET CHANGE UP
Replacing cabinets is a great way to update your kitchen and bathroom. If your cabinets are in good condition, have them professionally painted or refinished. Replace the hardware with soft-close hinges and drawer slides. Install new knobs and pulls.
OUT WITH THE OLD
Tile, that is. An outdated kitchen backsplash and tired or damaged bathroom tiles (including shower and tub surrounds) are an eyesore that can drag the whole room down with it.
DRIVE UP MAKEOVER
Tired of pulling up to your home and feeling less than thrilled with its curb appeal? Replace an aging cement walk with a welcoming stone path. Resurface the driveway. Trim back or replace overgrown foundation plants. Upgrade your mailbox. Replace exterior lighting. Repair or replace fencing and stone walls. Install lighting to bring the exterior of your home to life after dark.
DECLUTTER AND ORGANIZE
Not something that’s high on the fun- o-meter, but the results can make you feel great and your house look amazing. Instead of trying to do it all at once, spend two or three hours on one project or space if you have the luxury of time. If you need to do this quickly to sell, hire a professional.
