Things That Sell Houses: Fads and Timeless Features
Buying a home is an emotional process. Home buyers frequently base their decisions entirely on emotions, often first impressions. Smart sellers can take advantage of this by changing a few things to elicit a more positive response from potential buyers. These fixes usually fall into one of two categories: the latest fad in home design and decorating, and improvements that repeatedly stand the test of time.
Stainless steel appliances are one of the more foolish trends to come along in a while. Some people prefer the modern look of stainless steel, while others prefer a warmer comfortable look. Regardless of your personal preferences, stainless steel is hot right now and the money you invest will likely get your home sold more quickly. Many home shoppers equate stainless steel with a modern top of the line kitchen.
Granite countertops are also popular in recent years. Buyers favor them for two reasons. First they’re expensive, which seems to indicate luxury. Second, they’re a fairly recent trend, so it’s immediately obvious that the kitchen has been updated. Because they’re pricey, it’s a good idea to get granite countertops only if you are going to enjoy them. If you’re only looking at it to get your home sold more quickly, the cost might be too high. Be aware that dark colored granite countertops can darken a room.
The latest craze in some areas is bare concrete flooring. Maybe it’s the industrial look gone wild! This fad seems to be growing only in a few geographic areas, most likely where climate conditions make insulation less critical. If this trend is catching on where you live you could save some money on replacing old wall to wall carpet and just remove it instead.
As trends come and go, there will be some things that buyers have always looked for and will always want. These areas are well worth your time, money and effort no matter when you sell your home.
The view that your home presents from the street is called curb appeal. The front yard design and landscaping should be pleasing and well tended. You don’t have to go overboard to make your yard inviting. Just a few well placed bushes or trees and a nice walkway. The front of the house plays into this too. If your home looks flat and unappealing, add a few interesting features like shutters or awnings. A fresh coat of paint is a must to make it look clean and fresh. If home buying is an emotional process, first impressions are critical.
Any Realtor will tell you that it’s almost impossible to sell a dirty cluttered home. Get rid of extra furniture and belongings, even if you have to move them to storage. Next you should make everything super clean. In addition to the regular cleaning counters, dusting and vacuuming, take care of the things that get overlooked during regular cleanings. If the caulking in the bathroom is dark in some areas replace it. You won’t believe the difference these simple steps make.
Highly personalized homes are usually more difficult to sell than homes with neutraol color schemes. Even if you paid an interior designer and spent a great deal of time and effort achieving the look you wanted, home shoppers may walk in and think, “This isn’t us.” In order to feel like the home is theirs, a buyer would have to make changes to the existing decor. Even if the changes are easy and inexpensive, that first impression of “This isn’t the right home for us” remains. This is one that you’ll only want to do when you get ready to sell. Although if you’re thinking of installing something expensive, like floor coverings throughout the house, carefully consider whether you’re going to stay long enough to make it worthwhile.
Before the first potential buyer sees your home is the time to make any upgrades you’re going to. The time tested changes should almost always be done. Trendy changes may make sense, but only if they price tag is pretty low. If you’re buying a home at the same time, try to avoid making a decision based on trendy features. Determine if you’ll really love that concrete floor for years or not. And if you are one of those few who can see the possibilities of a home with problems that are relatively inexpensive to correct, you might snag a bargain!
Model homes are a great example of what appeals to home buyers. Check out the photos of these new homes San Marcos. Home mortgage rates have fallen recently, so now is the time to get moving!
