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What to do with an Unsightly View - Dealing with the Negatives Part 1

By
Home Stager

Accentuate the positives while dealing with the negatives - What to do about an unsightly view. 

Stagers like me are always saying how important it is to "accentuate the positives".  Of course we want to highlight a home's BEST selling features but what should we do about those not-so-positive aspects of a home?  They must be dealt with - notice I did NOT say covered up!   

In a series of posts this week I will be sharing ideas for dealing with your home's flaws, after all, every house has them...

Problem 1:  Unsightly view from a windowtrash can

While we're frequently heard extolling the virtures of letting the natural light pour through windows, what do you do when the view from the dining room window is of your neighbor's ugly wood pile or garbage can?

In this situation, it might actually be best to simply leave the drapes shut and/or keep the blinds closed. 

windowYou can't hide a less-than-attractive view but you don't have to call attention to it either.

Consider adding sheer curtains - they can add softness to a room, while minimizing the view and still allowing  plenty of light to shine through. 

A plant in a hanging basket in front of the window might provide a nice distraction - but only if you're confident you can keep it alive.   

Disclaimer:  I'm not suggesting you be dishonest and try to hide or cover up your home's known defects.  This would be a huge mistake and you might even get sued for trying.  I am suggesting that you demonstrate for your prospects how you've learned to cope with your homes flaws - after all, every house house them.

Tomorrow I will discuss Problem 2:  Dealing with traffic noise

 

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Ready2Sellin30Days

Karen Bernetti is a Real Estate Stager, Former Realtor®, Author, Speaker, and Owner of Staging4Smooth Transitions - specializing in assisting seniors with their downsize moves and offering Home2Home Transitions seminars. Karen is also the Social Media Manager and Administrative Coordinator for Prudential CT Realty, in Madison, CT and Co-creator of the Ready2Sellin30Days System - an interactive multi-media program teaching do-it-yourself homeowners EVERYHTING they need to know about preparing a home for sale. Stay up to date on the latest staging and home decor trends by visiting Karen & Ann's Home Sale Success Blog.  

 

Comments (9)

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

Karen-sheer curtains and hanging plants are some very good tips, I'm looking forward to your next post "overcoming road noise."

Jul 17, 2011 07:51 AM
Barbara Altieri
Better Homes and Gardens RE Shore and Country Properties - Shelton, CT
REALTOR-Fairfield County CT Homes/Condos For Sale

Karen -- Reminds me of recently pulling the blinds up because the buyer wanted to see the view and there was a VERY nice one of the train tracks.  That was a double whammy -- view and noise. 

Jul 17, 2011 12:00 PM
Chris Smith
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Good tips, Karen, there is nothing worse than pulling back the drapes and wishing you hadn't... Sheers seem a great compromise

Jul 17, 2011 12:47 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Karen, this could be a great series on the simple things to make a home display in a very positive light in spite of the surroundings

Jul 17, 2011 03:00 PM
Lisa Orme
The Master's Key Realty LLC -Windsor, CT - HARTFORD COUNTY - Windsor, CT
Broker/Realtor, ABR, CRS,GRI, PSCS, SFR, Notary Pu

You're right, Karen, every property has SOMETHING that a buyer may find a negative....and every negative can be off-set somehow....or, as you so wisely put it, you don't have to call attention to it!

Jul 18, 2011 11:08 AM
Karen Bernetti
Southington, CT

adrian - coming right up in just a moment (I almost forgot!)  busy day.

Barbara - Yikes.  That is a sight!  I assume MOST home buyers walk the property and would know about the train tracks - I'm just suggesting you might not want to look at them through your dining room window.

Chris - great to see you.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  We certainly don't want to try to hide anything.  Buyers are not stupid.  

Ed - Thanks Ed, glad you think so

Lisa - EXACTLY - you can't hide from the negatives but you don't have to call attention to them either.

 

Jul 18, 2011 02:39 PM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®
I somehow missed this yesterday! So glad I found it today! This is a great idea for a series!!
Jul 18, 2011 03:44 PM
Janet Jones
Just Your Style Interiors, LLC - Kihei, HI
Home Staging, Interior Redesign Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Hi Karen--had to go back and read your first in the series.  The idea of sheers and/or blinds are such great ideas for sellers who have to content with anything short of a pristine ocean view!  Most buyers don't open the blinds (except for Barbara's client above!).

Jul 18, 2011 05:30 PM
Karen Bernetti
Southington, CT

Thanks Joni and Janet

Jul 19, 2011 02:18 PM