POP Goes The Curb Appeal - PART 2

FRONT ENTRANCE CURB APPEAL

With Spring here, and the nicer weather upon us, more and more buyers are searching for their next home.  So today I'd like to discuss the front entrance, that first impression of a home.  Obviously this is the first thing a potential buyer sees and experiences when seeing a home for the first time, which by the way is usually based on emotions, so it's important to make the curb appeal of your home POP and give it some dimension.  You always want to make sure the front door is visible from the street and easily accessible, so start by taking away any obstruction/s or anything that might make the home outdated.  Think about your budget and what would be necessary and what you can do without.  The only thing you are trying to create here is emotion and drawing potential buyers to your home.  Economical choices make sense.  Changing out door hardware, outdoor lighting, house numbers, mailboxes and paint are all great choices and will make a huge impact alone.  Trimming down overgrown landscaping, adding some stones, fixing up any damaged driveways and walkways are all easy fixes that will draw in your buyers.  

(Photos courtesy of J&J Landscaping LLC)

Features That SIZZLE or Sell A Home - PART 1

KITCHENS 

It's no secret that a kitchen is one of two rooms that sell a home.  In order for you to get top dollar and to sell quickly you're going to have to include features that sizzle or will help to sell the home.  For instance, solid surface countertops and recessed lighting are almost a standard now in today's market, and depending on the comparables in the neighbourhood, you might want to add such features as a pot filler, wine fridge, or a wall mounted flatscreen TV.  There are two features I want to talk about that if you do anything, these two things will definitely add more SIZZLE.  Those of course would be undercabinet lighting and a custom tile backsplash.  Lighting is already an important feature in the home, so adding undercabinet lighting is not only a great investment, but it's actually very cost efficient and economical to do.  Creating a custom tile backsplash sets your kitchen apart and makes it appear more high end and will get you a higher return.  Skip the 4 or 6 inch lip from the counter up the back wall, and go with the tile.  

(Photo courtesy of Valerie Pasquiou Interiors & Design Inc.)