July 30, 2010

Designing to Sell

Image via Great Interior Design

Budget Tip of the Day: Let in the Light

Lighting is something you’ve got to think about when designing to sell your home.  People love lots of natural light and potential buyers will be looking for it.  To bring in as much natural light as possible, you’ve got to uncover your windows.  If you have lots of drapery or valances that cover up part of your windows, take them down and replace with something a little simpler.  You definitely want to have a window treatment, but the more you can uncover the windows, the better.  The same goes for blinds.  Either take them down or make sure they are fully drawn when people come to look at your home.  Choosing a light paint color can also help to brighten up a dark room that doesn’t have a lot of windows.  And don’t forget to turn all your lights on.  When designing to sell, the brighter and lighter your home feels, the better chance you have of selling quickly.

Posted at: 12:00 pm by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Designing to Sell | , Leave a Comment
July 29, 2010

Designing to Sell

Designing to Sell

Image via Country Living

Budget Tip of the Day: De-Personalize

Although your family photos are special and should be displayed with pride, when you’re designing to sell your home, you should take them down and replace them with something else. When potential buyers walk through your home, you want them to be able to imagine themselves living there. If things are too personalized, then most people aren’t able to see past what is right in front of their face. Family photos are a perfect example of this. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on new and fancy artwork, but you should replace them with something that will appeal to most people. Here are some easy, inexpensive, diy artwork ideas that will help to get you started. Family photos are just one example. Take a walk through your home and try to pick out things that are very personalized to your taste, and then search for an inexpensive replacement that will appeal to the masses.  Don’t be afraid to call on friends and family for help. They might be able to loan you some items just while you’re trying to sell. The less you have to buy, the better!  Remember that de-personalizing doesn’t mean bland and boring.  Buyers like to see some style, so try to find a good balance.  This living room is a great example of this balance.  It’s fun and interesting, but simple and neutral enough to appeal to most people.

Come back tomorrow for a new designing to sell tip.

Posted at: 12:00 pm by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Designing to Sell | , Leave a Comment
July 28, 2010

Designing to Sell

Designing to SellBudget Tip of the Day: Paint Paint Paint!

Paint is the best way to get the most impact for the least amount of money. The color of a room is so important when you’re designing to sell your home. Color can instantly set the mood in a room and brings warmth and life to every space. White walls are very uninviting, and bright colors will send potential buyers running. There’s nothing wrong with wanting bold colors in your home.  You just need to realize that not everyone has your same taste.  Stick to neutral and muted colors when choosing your paint. Anything in the brown family is a safe bet. Blues and greens can also work well as long as you pick a soft, muted tone. If you do nothing else to get your home ready to sell, at least paint the walls. It will make a huge difference in how someone feels the second they step foot in your home. Don’t underestimate the power of paint! It’s a beautiful thing.

Come back tomorrow for a new designing to sell tip.

Posted at: 12:00 pm by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Designing to Sell | , Leave a Comment
July 27, 2010

Designing to Sell

Designing to Sell

Image via Country Living

Budget Tip of the Day: Give Rooms a Purpose

When you are designing to sell your home, it’s important to give each room a clear purpose so that potential buyers know exactly what they can use the space for. Maybe your living room currently does double duty as a toy room, or you’re dining space is being used for something else. Maybe a spare bedroom is being used as an office or play space. Decide on one clear function for each room and decorate accordingly. This might mean you have to pack up a few things to put in storage, like toys or other items that are cluttering the space. If you have a spot for a dining table, then put one there. The same goes for bedrooms. Clear out whatever is in a spare room and put a bed in there. Don’t assume that buyers will see the space like you do. You can rent furniture or pick up some inexpensive pieces at a thrift store to clearly define a function for the space. You don’t need anything fancy.  Just give the space a purpose.  It might not be how you would use the space, but it’s well worth giving it up for a short time to increase your chances of selling quickly.

Come back tomorrow for a new designing to sell tip.

Posted at: 12:00 am by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Designing to Sell | , Leave a Comment
July 26, 2010

Designing to Sell

Image via Simple Effects

Budget Tip of the Day: De-Clutter

Here is an easy designing to sell tip that won’t cost you a dime and will make your home look more spacious. Everyone wants lots of space, right?! It might sound simple, but believe it or not, getting rid of your stuff is the best way to show off your space. You don’t need to throw out anything, just put it in storage until your home sells. Here are some key spaces to think about. Your closets are a a big selling feature because people love to see how much storage space there is in a home. Take at least half of your stuff out and pack it away. Your closets will look much larger and potential buyers will really be able to see the amount of space you have. When things are packed in tightly, it gives them the impression that there’s just not enough space. Next take a look at your kitchen and bathroom counters. They should both be cleared of almost everything. If your stuff is covering the space, once again, the potential buyers won’t be able to see it and will get the impression that there is not enough room. When things are cleared off the counter, it opens up the space and everything looks neat and clean. This goes for all those kitchen appliances as well. Leave no more than two regularly used items on the counter, like a toaster, for example. Buyers want to see your space, not your stuff.  Go one step further and set out a single bowl filled with fruit, or a bouquet of flowers to create a welcoming feel.  Always remember that you are designing your home to sell, not to live in. Making small, inexpensive changes will make a huge difference in getting your home sold quickly.

Come back tomorrow for a new designing to sell tip.

Posted at: 12:00 am by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Designing to Sell | , Leave a Comment