How to Design a Kitchen That is Sure to Attract Buyers

Having an updated kitchen is a must if you are preparing to sell your home. Buyers are savvier than ever about design style, so being creative as well as trendy will help you get top dollar for your real estate. Here are some suggestions that may inspire you on your kitchen remodel.

Use Unique Materials

Keeping up with current trends is smart, however, consider adding a unique twist that will give your kitchen that "Wow" effect to grab the buyer's attention. According to Ramsey Creek, you can also make cabinets exiting and choose from several exotic woods to give your space a different look. Quartz countertops are hot with many unique looks that could fit into your decor. Take time to complete the overall look with a paint color that will bring everything together for a coordinated look. Think about recovering the floor with easy to clean materials that are safe to walk on without slipping.

Make Sure There’s Plenty of Light

The kitchen is the workroom of a home, so it should be well lit. Replacing the current light fixtures is another way to showcase the kitchen. Work areas such as the sink, stove, and countertops need specific spotlighting as well as having attractive overhead lights. According to YLighting, using recessed lights can solve a space or height issue. If using metal light fixtures, think about using new hardware on your cabinets in the same type of finish. Even the color and type of light bulb used can give your kitchen a different look.

Replace the Appliances

When someone is buying a home, they do not want to see used outdated appliances in the kitchen. With so many design options available, do research and use the new pieces to add to your overall kitchen scheme. Adding Wi-Fi, as with other types of technology, to the kitchen area will enhance younger buyers. Make sure there are plenty of electrical outlets near the countertops for small appliances such as food processors, blenders, coffeemakers, and slow cookers.

When it comes to attracting buyers and getting your price point on the sale, the devil is in the details. Most of the buyers want a near turn-key home when looking. The kitchen is high on the list when they make their decision of buying a new home. Being creative and using unique materials when renovating will leave a lasting impression that will sell your house.

If you’re ready to sell a home, you’re going to need great pictures of it for your listings. Contact me to schedule a photography appointment!

3 Essential Improvements to Make to a Property Before Selling It

When you sell your house, the last thing you want is for the process to drag out over several months. Most home buyers are not interested in making renovations or repairs immediately. If you want your house to sell faster, consider three essential improvements to make to the property before putting it on the market.

Painting the Interior Walls

If you have lived in your house for a while, you may have grown fond of your interior paint colors. Maybe you don't notice the smudges and marks that have occurred over the years, but old paint and dirty walls can be off-putting to buyers. Painting the interior walls in a contemporary color, such as light gray, can make the interior look fresh and updated. Neutral colors work with most furniture and accessories and won't put off the majority of potential buyers.

Updating the Plumbing

Old plumbing, in addition to a few other things, can make the selling process more complicated. Plumbing, whether seen or unseen, can be a deal-breaker when selling a house. Faucets and hardware that appear rusty and corroded won't make a positive impression on a homebuyer. Making cosmetic updates, such as replacing outdated hardware with pieces in a contemporary finish, such as brushed nickel, gives an updated look to baths and kitchens. Older houses may have galvanized steel pipes that show signs of corrosion. If an inspector finds leaking and corroded pipes, that could result in a buyer deciding to look elsewhere for a home or try to bargain your price down.

Fixing the HVAC System

One of the questions homebuyers typically ask is, "How old is the HVAC unit?" When a unit is more than 10 years old, it may no longer be under warranty. If an HVAC system is not working correctly during the pre-closing inspection, that could turn off a potential buyer. Before putting a house on the market, the owner should have an HVAC repair company evaluate the unit and repair it if needed. If the system is beyond repair, replacing it is the best option. When advertising the house for sale, a mention of a new HVAC system can generate more interest in the property.

First-time homebuyers may not have the financial resources for major repairs or upgrades. Making essential improvements can benefit the seller and buyer since the house will probably sell faster and the buyer gets a move-in-ready home.

Showcase the beauty of a home with quality real estate photos. Click here to see our pricing list!

Easy Fixes to Make Your Bathroom More Attractive to Buyers

In order to sell your home as quickly as possible, your showings must first entice interested parties. While you'll want to make sure that the first impression buyers have of your house is the best one, you don't have to break the bank in order to do so. Simple fixes in areas such as your bathroom can make a world of difference when appealing to potential purchasers.

New Tiles

The type of tile that you have in your bathroom can set the tone and aesthetic for the rest of the space. Since tile is a design feature that tends to stand out and be noticed first, it is important that you choose your tile and its layout carefully. This is something else that doesn't have to cost a lot of money if you just use your creativity. For example, laying your tiles at a slant instead of horizontally can make a huge difference in the overall look.

New Sink

Installing a new sink can add an elegant look to your bathroom without costing a ton of money. In fact, you can even get creative and use a recycled basin but add new faucets to make it look more luxurious. New faucets with efficient features can also help make your home attractive to potential buyers. If you are not experienced or comfortable working with plumbing, you should hire a general contractor to handle this part for you.

Color design

While you may be tempted to just choose a wall color because it is pretty or that shade is your favorite, when it comes to selling your home, this is something that should not be taken lightly. Color speaks to people's emotions and can actually make or break your sale. Whatever color design you choose, it should be cohesive so that the colors mesh well with one another. Also, keep in mind the look you are going for. Whether you are attempting to achieve a comfortable ambiance, a playful feel or a more formal motif, keep your color scheme consistent.

These are just some of the simple ways that you can help buyers fall in love with your home's interior the minute they lay eyes on it. A great design should be able to speak to potential buyers' emotions so that they feel good when they are in the space and can visualize themselves living in it.

Once you’re ready to sell your home, let us help you with stunning real estate photographs!

How to Prepare Your Home Exterior for Listing Photos

When you decide to sell your home, you want to make sure it sells quickly and that it is sold to a family who will love it as much as you did. A key ingredient in ensuring your house is a hot listing on the market is the photos used in that listing. One of the best ways of ensuring your residence looks good is by preparing your home's exterior before those photos are actually taken.

Trim the Landscape

An unruly lawn can make or break a home sale because most potential buyers have little to no interest in purchasing a house with a jungle in the front yard. If you have hedges that need trimming, now is the time to do it. If your bushes need to be shaped or your plants need some care, there is no better time to tend to these matters than just before having professional pictures taken for a listing. In addition, be sure to mow the lawn and weed around the shrubbery to create a neat and tidy outdoor appearance. Landscaping can increase the value of your property, and efforts in this direction will also enhance how easily your home sells.

Fix Outside Damage

Buyers don't want to invest in a home that looks as though it needs work. You'll want to ensure that there is no visible damage to the home's exterior. This includes the driveway as well as the yard. You can fill minor cracks in your driveway asphalt with tar within an hour or two. You can also correct some of the flaws in the house by repainting. Minor fixes like asphalt repair and paint touch-ups take little time yet make a huge impact.

Ensure a Neutral Look

If your home's exterior is a little too personalized, don't hesitate to make it more neutral. Removing zany yard decorations or making the decision to paint over wild, unique color schemes in favor of a more neutral and subdued palette can attract buyers in search of their long-term residence.

When houses look appealing from the outside, they tend to sell faster. By preparing your home for the photos that will be used in the listing, you will increase the odds of selling it and the speed with which it moves. Though these things do require some time and commitment, you'll be glad you put forth the effort when you close on the sale.

3 Minor Improvements That Will Massively Change the Feel of Your Interior

Your home is one of the places where you spend a significant amount of time. You want it to be as comfortable and cozy as possible. After all, the type of design and look of your home can have a huge impact on the way it makes you feel. Even colors and textures can trigger certain emotions and moods whenever you enter a space. If you want to be able to redesign your home's ambiance without breaking the bank, here are a few tips to help you get started.

More Light

Lighting is such a big deal in design that people spend thousands of dollars having a professional design a lighting scheme for their home. Not only can it impact the way everything looks, including you, but it can also change the way your space feels as well. Spaces that are well-lit tend to seem bigger while spaces with lots of shadowy parts will feel even smaller. Mirrors also help small spaces appear more spacious. If you want to really make a room feel larger, adding proper lighting along with mirrors can really do the trick.

Paint

Paint is one of the easiest ways to change the look and feel of a room. It is not very expensive, and painting is something that you can do yourself. Taking a little time to research some color schemes and how various colors trigger certain moods will help you pick the right color paint for your particular space. Just remember to always do the ceiling first. Working from the top down will keep you from having to touch up any splattered paint and make for a cleaner and faster paint job.

Slipcovers

Using slipcovers over your couch or chairs is a great way to add a new look without making a huge purchase. These work very well if you are having a dinner party and want to add a touch of elegance to your dining room. Adding white slipcovers over your dining room chairs can add a sophisticated look to the room without the need for a huge commitment. The fact that they can be removed and thrown in the washing machine is a great reason to consider slipcovers.

It doesn't take much to have the home of your dreams if you are willing to be a little creative and do some research. Knowing the colors that work best in different rooms will help you to achieve total comfort, no matter which part of your home you're enjoying. Even the bathroom can feel like a spa if you add the right colors and decor pieces.

To show off the interior of your home once you’re ready to sell, contact me to schedule a real estate photography session!

How to Make a Room Look Bigger on a Limited Budget

With so many different styles and sizes of rooms out there, you’re guaranteed to eventually find one that just feels too small. When you find yourself in a room that feels cramped rather than cozy and want to fix the problem without breaking your bank, consider some of the following tips for making a room look bigger on a limited budget.

Redo the Floors

Redoing the flooring in a small room is relatively affordable and can do a great job of tricking the eye. According to Tilemates Group, when trying to make a small room appear bigger, switch out the old flooring for something with larger panels. Installing large tiles or wide hardwood floor planks can create a much greater sense of depth and space. For added effectiveness, use alternating shades to create visual interest and strengthen the illusion of the space being larger than it actually is.

Paint the Room a Light Color

Another key tip to keep in mind while trying to make a room look bigger is that light paint colors create a sense of openness and clarity. Dark colors in larger rooms can be bold and inviting, but dark paints paired with a small space are going to feel claustrophobic.

For the best possible results, change the walls and ceilings of small rooms to bright or light colors. Not only can you use this to make the room look larger, but you can boost the universal appeal of the home as well. According to Martin Built Homes, design changes such as painting a room a brighter color can enhance your home’s resale value.

Install at Ceiling-Height

This useful tip can't be stressed enough! When you’re working with limited space, drawing the eye upwards can work just the type of magic you need. By installing shelving and curtains units up high, you create the opportunity to free up more space at eye level and make the room feel more spacious. 

Elements of interest that are placed high up create an overall sense of loftiness as well. When you look at design features near the ceiling, it redirects your focus up. According to Armand’s Drapery, your curtain choices to make the space feel larger will also make your windows look bigger. An added perk of this approach is that it’s extremely customizable and highly affordable compared to other changes you could make. Just remember while you’re picking your curtains for smaller rooms you want to stick with light colors and fabrics to keep that airy feel.

Working with a small space can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to create a sense of openness and depth. However, by using large-scale flooring panels, light or bright colors, and tall curtains, and ceiling shelves, you can easily make the most of the space at hand.

Show off your new space by booking a session of quality photos with Mallory Jane Photography!

What to Know About Remodeling Before Selling Your Home

Remodeling your home before selling can improve its value and ultimately make it easier to sell. However, all remodeling jobs are not created equal, and there are ways you can remodel your home that can maximize your financial investment and your time. Here are three things you need to know about remodeling before selling your home.

Create Your Plan

Remodeling is a major financial investment and absolutely not one that you should start without major forethought and a plan. Creating a remodeling plan ensures that you do your research, take your time and put significant thought into a major financial project. As part of your plan, consult experts, including contractors. Determine how much money you are willing to spend and what sort of return on investment you are looking to make, and make sure you target your remodeling efforts to the place which can maximize that investment.

Be Patient

Do not rush a significant remodeling effort. Your ideal contractor or building materials may not be available right away, but more often than not, it's worth the wait. After all, it's better to do a job right than rush it. If a contractor isn't available right away, that doesn't mean that you should jump right in and do the work yourself. Remember, working on a construction site can put you at risk of serious injuries. If you aren't an expert, it is better to wait for contractors who can do the work for you.

Talk to a Real Estate Agent

Unless you have a background in construction or home sales, odds are you are not an expert on the best types of remodeling techniques. Talk with a real estate agent before starting a remodeling job. They will be able to give you advice on what rooms to renovate, what types of improvements sell the best and what areas in your house must be upgraded or repaired in order to make a home sale. The last thing you want to do is to target your limited funds for an improvement that won't make a bit of difference.

Remodeling your home before selling it can increase its value and get more money back into your pocket. However, that doesn't mean that you should jump in and start work without putting significant planning and thought into this project. Take your time, and consult with the experts first. Your efforts will be rewarded.

When selling your home, the pictures in the listing can make all the difference. Mallory Jane Photography can give you the quality photos you need!