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NH Home Staging FAQ - Why Should I Replace The Light Fixtures?

By
Home Stager with Sharon Tara Transformations

NH Home Staging FAQ - Why Should I Replace The Light Fixtures?

 

 One of my favorite improvements is updating light fixtures.  Most sellers and agents are surprised when I suggest  replacing the lights.  The impact a light fixture can have on potential buyers should not be underestimated.

It's one of those subtle, subconscious messages a house sends to buyers....

dated, cheap, or worn fixtures devalue the house.

A very small investment can add tremendous perceived value and set you apart from your competition...who more than likely will not have updated their lights.

New light fixtures make a house feel cared for and well maintained.

 

A $49 light added sophistication to this bath.

before/after

 

It cost $54 to add impact to this Foyer.

before/after 

 

It cost $40 to increase the appeal of this kitchen. 

before/after

Why should you replace the light fixtures?  

Because it will increase the perceived value of your house!!

Comments (19)

Adrian Willanger
206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA
Profit from my two decades of experience

Sharon, I have a tall stairway that needs a new light, thanks for the ideas! Good stuff.

May 26, 2012 01:32 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign
Sharon-great point...I love changing out the builder basic lights I see in so many master bath rooms. It takes it from being nice to a spa bath.
May 26, 2012 01:51 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Adrian:  I'm glad you found the pictures helpful.  I hope you find your new light soon!

Kathy:  It makes a huge difference.  You can find such great deals at Home Depot and Lowes, so money shouldn't be the issue.

May 26, 2012 02:17 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Sharon~ I totally agree.  Particularly if you have brass light fixtures.  They can make a negative impact on potential buyers.

May 26, 2012 04:13 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Sharon,

Great suggestions, it is amazing how those small details are part of the overall impression either positive or negative.  It is alwyas the small stuff that seems to make the difference. A

May 26, 2012 04:14 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

So very true Sharon! I am fequently suggesting that my clients upgrade or update lighting. It can make such a big difference in how the house feels.

May 26, 2012 04:48 AM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Hi Sharon ~ in these great examples, the "before" light fixtures were seriously undersized!  Updating them with larger ones was such an effective improvement!!  I think many sellers overlook how important they are when making an impression on potential buyers.

May 26, 2012 01:47 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Sharon. So how did you get so smart.....maybe experience and understanding? I love these examples and such an east fix. Nicely done.

May 26, 2012 10:49 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Donna:  I just updated the light fixtures in the house I recently moved in to.  Couldn't get rid of the old lights and brass door hardware fast enough!

Alexandra:  They may say "don't sweat the small stuff" but when it comes to details in a house for sale....you are best to take care of them!

Janice:  One of my favorite updates!  People are so surprised when I point it out.

Maureen:  In most cases it's an unconscious influence with huge impact.

Sheila:  Well, my parents would take credit, LOL!  I appreciate the compliment...thank you!

 

 

 

May 27, 2012 12:07 AM
Sally Weatherley
EXIT STAGE RIGHT - Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Home Staging, Home Stager Vancouver, B.C

Sharon - I've had home sellers poo poo me when I suggest changing out a light fixture.  I'm going to print off your examples and show them what a difference a new fixture can make!

May 28, 2012 01:54 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Valerie:  I'm not sure about anyone being able to do it...I know a few men who are incapable of replacing a roll of toilet paper, nevermind a light fixture LOL!

Sally:  Using photos to prove your point is always a good idea.  Most people can't visualize and need to see it to believe it.

May 28, 2012 10:55 PM
Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

Who knew? You just proved again, something simple and easy changes everything!

May 28, 2012 11:40 PM
Anna Dovger
Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX
Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

Sharon, great question to answer! I suggest to change light fixtures at least in dining/breakfast room. I changed many myself and it is not that hard to do, just remember to switch off the breaker.

May 28, 2012 11:47 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Al & Peggy:  When my daughter bought her condo years ago, we updated all the lights.  She has moved and now rents it.  This weekend we showed the condo to potential renters and one of the things they mentioned being impressed with was the updated light fixtures.

Anna:  I'm impressed you change them yourself.  I am lucky to have a very handy husband who does that and I've never had to, nor would I know how.

May 30, 2012 09:28 AM
Lloyd Binen
Certified Realty Services - Saratoga, CA
Silicon Valley Realtor since 1976; 408-373-4411

Yep, replacing lighting fixtures is an inexpensive way to dress-up a tired looking room.

Jun 03, 2012 05:32 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Lloyd:  Not much investment, but huge impact!

Jun 03, 2012 12:14 PM
Laura S. Baker
First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI
Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

Sharon, once again you have proven it doesn't take a whole lot of money to make a whole lot of impact!  :-).

Feb 22, 2013 10:05 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Laura:  Something you are so brilliant at!  Thanks for stopping in!

Feb 23, 2013 07:15 AM