UPDATES TO CONSIDER FOR MAXIMIZING YOUR INVESTMENT RETURN AND GETTING MORE MONEY IN THE SALE OF YOUR PROPERTY
Exterior
Outdoor lighting: Change out all brass, deteriorated, or rusty light fixtures. Larger scale fixtures are "in" and considered expected to compete with other properties of like value.
Landscaping: Matured landscaping needs to be cut back and trimmed. Gardening/flowers are expected to all be maintained.
Front Doors: A buyer's first impression.Iron or heavy wood entry doors make strong statements that buyers love. Upscale homes now use leaded glass and iron inserts in their styling.
Living Spaces: Screened porches are back. They create multi-purpose space that is both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor fireplaces are popping up everywhere.
Interior
Kitchens/Baths
Appliances: Stainless appliances are going strong. High end homes conceal some appliances as cabinetry. Gas appliances preferred.
Hardware: No polished brass knobs. Oil rubbed bronze is "in"; also brushed nickel is still "in".
Countertops: Granite is a must over $300,000.to $350,000.!!! Marble or stone counter are popular as well. However, granite tops added to 1980's-90's cabinets do not go over well. Solid surface tops are NOT really acceptable anymore. Subway tile (3x6) is popular in bathrooms and on kitchen backsplashes. Lots of counter space is desired, with deep drawers, two sinks, and an extra nearby refrigerator and a butler's pantry are all desirable features.
Fixtures: Bath fixtures are finished in rustic bronze, nickel, or chrome. Old style two-handled faucets and farmhouse sinks are in style. Bath sinks may be glass bowls, granite, stone, stainless or traditional china. Cultured marble is out. Free standing tubs are in as well as pedestal and wall hung lavatories. Framed or hung mirrors are preferred. Frameless glass in showers is the new way to go.
Cabinetry: White cabinets should go, unless they are of the furniture style or "French Country" style.
Paint: Freshly painted interior and exteriors are also strongly recommended. The same or similar wall color through adjoining spaces creates a more spacious feeling. Historic paint colors such as sage greens, beiges, and muted yellows work well on the exterior. Bold or harsh colors are a turn-off to most buyers. Faux finishes are out!! Wallpaper is problematic and harder to change than paint. Very often it does not fit the buyer's taste. Heavily textured walls and popcorn ceilings are out as well.
Flooring: Wood floors in the main living area are preferred. When using ceramic tile, the tiles should be a minimum of 18" square. Large rustic tiles, stone, and decorative concrete are also today's preference for both inside and out. Dated/Old carpet can be a deal-breaker. Buyers are looking at new construction as your competition, so this is almost a must.
Utilities: With fuel costs going up, energy efficiency is definitely in. Buyers want high efficiency HVACs, water heaters, good insulation, Low-E glass, programmable thermostats, dual-pane windows and upgraded ceiling fans. Instant hot water is a perk that buyers like, as are drinking water filters.
