By Riki Unrau

The spring real estate market is upon us and a fresh new batch of homes are being listed each day. So how do you set your home apart from the rest? There are some easy and fairly inexpensive fixes that will not only catch potential buyers’ eyes but improve your property value as well. Let us go over six simple tips to help distinguish your pride and joy from everyone else’s.

Clear the Clutter

We all accumulate things as time goes on but too much ‘stuff’ can take away from your home’s visibility. Buyers do not care about your collection of hunting trophies or china dolls in every room. In fact, too much clutter can turn a potential buyer off and prevent them from looking beyond the things to the home itself. Keep it simple.

Paint

You have probably heard it many times before but painting adds a splash of rejuvenation to any home. Most buyers do not want to walk into a home and become overwhelmed by all of the cosmetic fixes they will need to do. If you do it for them then that is one thing checked off of their list. Try to stick to a neutral pallet though. Red may be your favorite colour but it is not for everyone and may put some people off. Think clean, crisp and airy and you cannot go wrong.

Fix the Fixtures

Old and dated light fixtures do not appeal to anyone. This is a fairly quick and inexpensive fix that should be updated before you put your home on the market. Again, since you are trying to appeal to a broad spectrum of tastes try to stay away from anything too ‘out there’ and stick with something that is modern but not off putting. You will be amazed how much of a facelift new fixtures will give a room.

Green Future

Environmentally friendly homes are not only appealing but cost effective. There are many government rebates in place for updating your appliances, windows and doors to name a few. If you spend a bit of money on upgrading some of these things your home will be that much more attractive in the eyes of buyers… and Mother Nature.

Landscape

Our yards are our own, personal paradise. A well landscaped and maintained yard does wonders to woo the eye and help buyers visualize themselves lounging among the petunias. While some aspects of landscaping can be expensive not everything comes with such a high price tag. Stick to the basics such as mown and weeded grass, nicely maintained flowers and bushes and pruned trees. Give your buyer something to dream about.

Flooring

While this one may cost you a few pennies the return on your investment will more than make up for it. Never underestimate the power of fresh, new flooring if what you currently have is dated or damaged. It can be a big job which is why many buyers shy away from homes that need this kind of updating. However, with a little effort you can transform your home into something far more desirable. Believe me… it is worth it.

While there are many more fixes you can do to improve your home for the market these six should get you off to a good start. If you would like more information or ideas be sure to contact your favourite realtor or mortgage broker.

– Riki Unrau is a Mortgage Broker with Invis Williams and Associates, located at 828C Baker Street, Cranbrook, BC V1C 1A2 – 250-919-6402. For more try: rikiunrau.com

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