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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it’s an instant cure for old, outdated wallpaper and colors.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if yours appear outdated or badly worn, consider replacing it.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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Interior
Facelifts
