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It’s only common sense that prospective buyers appreciate
the clean look of newly painted and carpeted homes. These and
other simple interior improvements can help increase the value
of your home and decrease the amount of time it takes to sell.
But remember, buyers often view as many as 12 homes - including
brand-new homes - before they make a decision. To make your
home more memorable, consider these interior decorating
improvements.
Simple Interior Improvements
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Appeal To The Senses -
Don’t underestimate prospective buyers’ olfactory powers -
the smell is often the first thing they notice when stepping
inside your home. If you have pets or someone in your home
smokes, the odors can linger and detract from your home’s
appeal. You might not notice these smells because you live with
them everyday; however, an unchanged kitty litter box or an
ashtray filled with cigarette stubs can mean your home will get
no further attention.
To eliminate these odors, steam clean your carpet and wash
your walls and floors with household cleaners and disinfectants.
Always clean up after your pets, and if you have a cat, change
the litter box often. Keep your home smelling fresh by burning
candles, potpourri or boiling a pot of cinnamon sticks or
putting a dab of vanilla on cold light bulbs before turning them
on. |
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Neutralize The Interior
- Nothing makes a home look better than a good coat of paint -
and it’s an instant cure for old, outdated wallpaper and
colors. This may be the best interior improvement you can make.
And remember to choose neutral colors to suggest newness and
cleanliness.
The key to a good paint job is adequate preparation; it’s
important to patch holes, scrape peeling paint, sand surfaces
and put on a primer coat if necessary. Use a premium-quality
paint. The results are worth the cost. |
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An
Investment That Pays Back
- Carpeting has a major impact on the look of your home,
consequently, if yours appear outdated or badly worn, consider
replacing it. This will be expensive, but the feeling of newness
it creates can make the investment worth it. Concentrate on
high-visibility areas first. Professional steam cleaning is an
option if your carpet is heavily soiled but still in good
condition.
If you live in an older home and have hardwood floors, you
may be able to pull up the carpeting and refinish or simply
clean and wax the floors for a classic look without the expense
of new carpet. |
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Brighten The Inside -
Finally, clean those windows! Sparkling windows are a signal to
buyers that you care about your home. Repair or replace cracked
panes, torn screens, broken sashes and ropes or cords as well.
When showing your home, open your curtains to let the light
shine in - especially if the view is nice. |
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