Thursday, February 27, 2014

Ideas to Increase Value and Desirability of your Aiken HOME in this Challenging Real Estate Market

Buyers are scarcer; sellers must make more improvements and resolve maintenance issues on their home to obtain top dollar value.  Here are some fixes that bring the best return on your time and dollar invested.

First Impression count… step up your curb appeal.  It’s critical to get buyers to want to look on the inside.  View your home from the street be objective.  Would you want to come inside and see more?  Look and check the condition of your landscaping, paint, roof, shutters, front door, knocker, windows, house number, and even how window treatments look from the outside. Make your home special; add some color and large flower pots or some architectural interest, like a park bench, something that welcomes a buyer home!

Color.  Paint is the cheapest investment and one that has the best returns. White is too stark or cold for most buyers. I suggest warm or soft colors that lead the eye from room to room, that works well together and flatters the home, nothing shocking.  Trim and ceilings, if needed, should be painted or freshened up too!



Upgrades in the kitchen and bathroom are always appreciated.  Clean, clutter free and odor free is must.  Update the cabinet hardware, sinks, and faucets.  Granite counters are popular if your home is in the price range that a buyer would expect that feature in a kitchen. Cool appliances are always a plus, such as an espresso maker on your kitchen counter is a cool accent.



Details Count.  Install crown molding at least six to nine inches in depth, proportional to the room’s size, and architecturally compatible. For ceilings nine feet high or higher, add dentil detailing, small tooth-shaped blocks used as a repeating ornament. It’s all in the details, after all.


De-clutter, dump, and organize your closets and drawers.  Less is best…Make your closets, cabinets empty enough so a buyer can visualize their treasures in your home.

Window treatments.   Remove all the heavy window coverings.  Buyers want a light, airy feeling and accentuate the views, no dated heavy drapes that darken and close in the house.  Consider energy-efficient light shades and blinds.  Keep your blinds and curtains open, let the sunshine in!


Bring in a home inspector.  Fix the problems before the buyers see them and looks else well.  Buyers are looking for easy care living. This especially important now in the current Aiken real estate market, since there is so much competition with new construction.  Buyers are looking for the EASY BUTTON!

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