Dead End To On Trend
With Scott Mackey
Unless you live it or love it, keeping up with style trends can be challenging. And often, when you find a style you like, it is just as swiftly replaced with the next one.
Trying to keep your property up to do date with the latest craze is an almost impossible task, and to be honest, not a necessarily beneficial one.
Scott Mackey, Principal of RE/MAX Precision, says that “what’s most important is ensuring the basics of your property are in good condition.”
“When you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, you need to think like a buyer. They want to know that they can move in without needing to replace carpets or paint rooms.”
“If you can, identify the basics and make sure they are well maintained or replaced before putting the house up for sale.”
So, what are the basics? Depending on the type of property you own – freestanding home, unit, duplex, townhouse etc. – these may be different but intrinsically they are all on par.
FLOOR
The type of flooring most suitable to the property may depend on where your property is located and the climate. Whether tile, laminate, wood or carpet, it will be noticed instantly if it is in poor condition.
WALLS
Chips, dirt or a poor paint job can put a dampener on a property upon first inspection. Bold colours might not necessarily be a prospective tenants’ first choice. Clean and neutral are best. Patch up holes or chips as these can really age a home. It may even be time for a re-paint, which can do wonders in livening up a property.
CEILING AND ROOF
The condition of a ceiling, fans and lights are a dead giveaway to the age of a home. And while there is nothing wrong with an older home, older fittings, or aged style trends (popcorn ceilings anyone?), might not compliment the overall property. A simple, streamlined look is much more flattering.
FITTINGS AND FIXTURES
Updating fittings and fixtures does not have to mean an expensive overhaul. Sometimes it may only take the cost of a few bottles of spray paint to touch up door handles. Whether replacing or touching up, make sure to keep it consistent throughout the property.
When it comes to getting ready for open homes, matching furniture with the style of the home is important. Generally, it is best to stick to neutral furniture, where the potential buyer can still imagine what it would look like with their touch of individual style.
Taking off a few years of your property’s life through cosmetic changes or finally fixing up those things you never got around to doing is always a good idea… it might just be what the future owner is sold on.
