Designing to Sell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 21, 2008 -- When it comes to designing and renovating your house there are two different approaches. Ask yourself one important question: Am I designing to sell, or am I designing to stay? Consider how long you plan on living in your house. If you will be living in your home for a short term (zero to five years) you should design to sell. If you are going to live in the home long term (five years plus) you need to design to stay.

Designing to sell can be complex. There are a lot of different things to consider. The major point to contend with will always be the budget. You want to be able to spend your money in the most reasonable way to get the biggest return. If you have a limited budget, the first place to spend your money is in the kitchen, the second place is in the bathrooms. If your budget is not limited, spend your money on things the buyer will notice such as curb appeal, a renovated kitchen with new appliances, upgraded bathrooms, finished basement, new windows and shingles, and new energy efficient heating and cooling systems.

Curb appeal consists of a couple of different things, both landscaping and the exterior condition of the house. The landscaping should be easy to maintain with a mixture of plants. You should also consider the condition of the driveway; does it need replacing or repairing? You don’t want overgrown foliage cascading over sideways, covering windows, blocking the view of the house. The exterior condition of the house is crucial. If buyers see that the house needs painting, new fascia and eaves, or any other major work, they will be turned off. The exterior should give the buyer a feeling that the house is in new condition.

The ‘new condition feeling’ should continue once the buyer comes into the house. Having a renovated kitchen in an open floor plan will add value to the home. Large open spaces enhance the feeling of ample square footage and buyers will be willing to spend more money. Kitchen layout is critical and if done properly, will be another selling feature. New matching appliances will also add value to the kitchen. Countertops that are of natural material will catch the buyer’s attention. If buyers see that all the hard work has been completed and that all they have to do is move in, they will be inclined to spend more money. The buyer’s attention will also be captured if the bathrooms are upgraded. Unique fixtures that have a cohesive feeling will give the bathroom a custom feel. Flooring and custom tiled showers and baths can make the buyer feel as though they were thought of during the design phase.

Custom design can also be carried through to the basement design and layout. Consider the demographics of the area the house is in. If you are unsure consult your realtor and they will be able to give you additional information.

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