10 SIMPLE WAYS TO change a house from ordinary to extradordinary.
When comparing homes on the market, What makes a house extraordinary? I’ll name a few
FRONT ELEVATION
1- Front Door and HARDWARE. Go all the way to welcome a buyer with shiny new door hardware. It screams deferred maintenance when a realtor or buyer has to struggle to open the door. Have a locksmith do it. And they won’t destroy your door. Estimated cost $150 or $300
2-Power wash - Every type of home based upon it’s age and foot traffic shows wear and tear. Homes that say BUY ME have SPOTLESS, FLATWORK with entryway and commanding front porch. Estimated cost $150 - $300 based upon the size of your exterior entry
3-Declutter the yard - I have seen full remodels done with a bunch of trash left out front. GONG! ELIMINATE landscape debris, including half filled mulch, bags, fire-ant bait, old planters or planting paraphernalia. Estimated cost $0.
I’ve attended many Home Builders Association meetings in Austin and top trends that attract buyers to homes are
LIGHTING
4-Light Fixtures- Designers never miss this one. Shiny new light fixtures create positive focal points that create OOHHH AHHH from the minute you enter a home. Estimated cost $400 - $1000 - spend more make more
5-Technology package - While you’re Changing out old bulbs update some to Smart bulbs so you Or the future owner can use Alexa. Add an electronic doorbell while you’re at it. Estimated cost. $250-$350 depending on how many bells and whistles you want to add.
FLOORING AND BASE MOULDING
6- Steam and/or lighten the tile - It's totally possible to lighten dark grout to be brighter by a few shades using bleach. If you don’t want to do this on your own call a professional. The same guy who does carpet cleaning can handle the task. The cost . 50 to . 80 cents per square foot cleaned. So ESTIMATED COST for a room that’s 1000 sqft would be $500-$800 = priceless!
7-UPDATE with carpet. New homes in all price points today actually sell with carpeting. Upgrade the pad height then invite future buyers in and tell them remove their shoes, they will actually feel the difference. Laminate flooring is trending but if you want to save money a neutral carpet DOES THE TRICK
8-Flooring Consistency
Did you know the most modern homes have only one or two flooring types throughout? TRY NOT to have more than two types of flooring otherwise it looks floozy and outdated. If you can’t afford a full flooring replacement, change all of the bedrooms or all of the iving areas. Be as consistent as possible.
9-Baseboards. DON’T FORGET to update the baseboard trim at the same time you do flooring. Change the story in a house with bright shiny new baseboards.
Last but not least
10-DEEP CLEAN AND AERATE A HOME FOR AT LEAST A DAY.
- Even if you don’t smell your pet, cat l
Hi! I’m Lisa Marie Contaldi and my family has called Austin Texas home since the late 80’s. I’ve celebrated hundreds of success stories and memorable housing experiences helping buyers and sellers achieve their personal financial goals. We’ve all witnessed the astounding changes from a rapidly evolving housing market in Austin through many real estate cycles. Is it time for you and your family to cash out and make the change you’ve been planning for months; or dreaming about for years?
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