IN South Fayette Spring 2020 | Page 23

INDUSTRY INSIGHT REAL ESTATE S ometimes a home can sell with very few changes, and other times owners will need to put in some major work to get their place off the market. While investing in some upgrades is not a guarantee to sell your home, these fixes are what potential buyers will be looking for – and could even raise your asking price. BE THE ENVY OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD—The first thing a buyer will notice is the outside of your home, so why not make it stand out? Invest in some simple fixes… n Landscaping: Spread some fresh mulch, plant vibrant flowers or display plants in decorative pots. Consider a variety of flowers in coordinating colors, or pick up ready-made arrangements for a quick fix. n Front Door: If you haven’t paid much attention to your door lately, consider a fresh coat of paint and don’t be afraid of a bright pop of color! n Hardware: Modern hardware, whether on your front door, garage or mailbox, can bring your home into the 21st century. n House Numbers: Choose numbers in a modern font with a finish that matches your other exterior hardware (light fixtures, door knocker, etc.) and keep size in mind. It’s a good idea to make sure the house numbers are easily visible from the street. n Mailbox & Lamp Post: Replacing or painting your old worn-out mailbox or lamp post can tremendously improve your home’s curb appeal. Consider adding flowers at the bottom of the mailbox post or lamp post. SPONSORED CONTENT DECOR… • Fill glass bowl centerpieces with lemons, limes or bright candies or seashells. • Mirrors reflect light, so placing one across from a window will make it pop. • Whether you choose real or artificial, lots of green and floral arrangements will bring the outdoor summer vibe into your home. • Seasonal switches include pillows, throw blankets, tablecloths and hand towels. • Sheer curtains are an awesome addition during summer because they allow natural light to shine through. • Light fixtures may not seem that important, but they can really make a difference in the appearance and feel of a room. Whether you are looking to list your home for sale or just want to freshen it up, I hope you find these home improvement tips helpful. Please contact me if you are in need of any resources to tackle these tasks, or if you are interested in a private client consultation to either sell your existing home, purchase or build a new one. I can be reached at 412.874.0415 or [email protected]. © 2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. n Deep Clean: Don’t underestimate the importance of pressure- washing your home’s siding, pathways, patios and decking. Windows and gutters should also be cleaned. n Fix Anything Broken: You wouldn’t want to move into a new home with a leaky roof or drafty windows, and potential buyers don’t either. Consider addressing these issues before listing your home. MAKE THE INTERIOR OF YOUR HOME LIGHTER AND BRIGHTER… n Flooring/Carpets: If you have quality hardwood underneath, consider ripping up the carpet. Otherwise, invest in a professional cleaning or think about installing new carpet. n Kitchen and Baths: The kitchen and bathrooms are the biggest deal breakers in the homebuying process. A fresh coat of paint, caulking around sinks and tubs, and replacing updated hardware and fixtures with more modern finishes can go a long way! n Energy Efficiency: Homes are now trending toward more technologically advanced and energy-efficient features. If you can offer buyers ways to be environmentally conscious and save money on their bills, they will be all in. This Industry Insight was written by Darlene B. Kruth, a Sales Executive with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty. Darlene is a licensed real estate agent in the state of Pennsylvania and has designations as an Accredited Staging Professional (“ASP”) and a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (“SRES”). For more information regarding Darlene’s services and qualifications, please contact her at 412.831.0100 x3013 (office), 412.874.0415 (cell), email her at dkruth@ TPRSold.com, or find Darlene’s facebook business page at Darlene Kruth, REALTOR®. FOR A FREE REAL ESTATE MARKET ANALYSIS, BUYER’S CONSULTATION, OR GROUP SEMINAR, PLEASE CONTACT ME TODAY AT 412.831.0100 X3013 (OFFICE), 412.874.0415 (CELL), OR VIA EMAIL AT [email protected]. SOUTH FAYETTE ❘ SPRING 2020 21