I would like to help my son and his wife spruce up their home to get it ready for selling. It's a quaint little house, but the fact that it has stairs and just one bathroom limits its appeal. I'm looking for any ideas that would make it more attractive to potential buyers.
A You are kind to offer your help. Doing so is not always easy, since you don't want to injure feelings about the way the house appears. A few common-sense rules make a house appealing to prospective buyers. I wouldn't be concerned about the size; at one point it was just right for your son, and everybody has to start somewhere.
But how does it show? Cleanliness and order head the to-do list. If it is obvious that care has been taken maintaining the home, its good qualities will shine through.
It is often difficult for us to see flaws we have lived with for years in the same way a potential buyer views them. So be gently honest about how you view the home. Your son and daughter-in-law need to organize clutter, if any, and pare down extra furniture so that the space does not feel cramped. Personal collections can be packed away for their move.
It is worth every cent that might be spent to repair eyesores such as cracks in walls, broken faucets, mildewed grout and stained floors or carpets. These negatives should be eliminated wherever possible.
A fresh coat of paint can brighten up any room. It is not necessary to repaint the entire house, but you can't go wrong by freshening an entrance way or kitchen. I would keep the color neutral for resale. A warm white is probably best.
Then think about the floors. Area rugs and runners are not costly, and they can add a fresh touch to a worn interior. Also, consider carpet tiles, which can be applied wall to wall or as an area rug.
The FLOR-brand carpet tiles in the accompanying photo are available in traditional and contemporary patterns and textures -- and you can mix and match colors and designs to create just the right look. Go to www.flor.com or a FLOR store to see the eclectic offerings available.
The tiles are stuck down with a pre-applied adhesive, not glue, so they can be removed and taken to another room or home. Replaceable tiles are also a smart strategy for dealing with future stains or damage.
Q I painted my kitchen Thai Green (a mellow yellowish beige). I love the color, and it works with my ruddy brown cabinets. However, the white window and door trim doesn't look good at all. Can you suggest a trim color please?
A Your kitchen colors sound lovely. The base for both the cabinets and walls is brown (light and dark), so the white trim makes an unappealing contrast. Look for antique white or a buttercream shade with a brown tint to it. The softer tone will complement what you have, bring out the best in both colors and present a clean trim line.
Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan
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