My husband and I are preparing to put our house on the market so we can buy a new one. What's the best way to make our house more attractive to buyers?
It's crucial to know what those in the market for a house are looking for and which rooms might be deal breakers or help move the property more swiftly, says Katherine Melhorn, a Realtor with Janet Jones Co. in Little Rock.
"The best return of money spent on your house prior to selling it is in upgrading your kitchen and baths," she says.
Kitchens
For many families, the kitchen is the heart of the home and a place where they often gather, so it is important that this space radiates comfort and efficiency.
Homeowners planning to sell should consider repainting older kitchen cabinets and consider upgrading dated countertops. Cleaning the sink with a solution of vinegar and baking soda will make it sparkle.
"Decluttering the kitchen counters of excess stuff and removing photos/invitations from the refrigerator will give an extra-clean, streamlined look to your kitchen," Melhorn says.
Bathrooms
Large families are always going to look for bathrooms with a bathtub while young professionals who do not have much free time will be interested in bathrooms with showers as well.
"Even if the master bathroom has a walk-in shower only, having a tub in one of the other baths will go far in placating bathtub users," Melhorn says. Decluttering the bathroom will also help entice potential buyers regardless of their bathing preferences.
Bedrooms
This is where buyers want a space where they can feel relaxed and comfortable, Melhorn says. New families will be looking for a room big enough to accommodate a crib and changing table while young professionals will usually be content with a room at least big enough to hold a bed and a chest of drawers.
"Replacing old curtains and wallpapers or repainting the bedroom provides a clean, fresh feel for the room," she says. "Also make sure light bulbs in the fixtures illuminate the room adequately."
Living Rooms
Buyers will also pay close attention to the living room/family room areas of the home with large families spending a lot of their time there watching TV and doing homework.
"As with all the other rooms, make sure your living room is not too cluttered and that it is well lighted," Melhorn says. "Also, if there are any stains on the carpet there or in any other room, spend the money to have the carpets professionally cleaned."
Dining Rooms
"Potential buyers will be looking for a pleasant, inviting dining space that is both practical and a step up in formality from the eat-in area of the kitchen," Melhorn says. "Families are more likely to choose a house with a large dining room while young professionals may not want a separate dining space. Updating an older chandelier or light fixture, adding fresh paint, and refinishing or replacing older flooring are all wise investments in enhancing the ambience of a dining room."
Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? We'll get you an answer from an authority. Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or email:
HomeStyle on 01/21/2017