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Buyers want homes that are move in ready

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with LemonTree Realty

 I find that most buyers today are looking for a home that they can move in without having to lift a finger to make any improvements. TV has brought us the designer dream homes, designing on a dime and trading houses. It’s a whole new world full of ideas for today’s homeowner. For the luxury buyer…there is always the hired help. For those of you who can’t afford hired help, here are some great suggestions for the weekend home repair warrior.

According to Cecilia Sherrard with RISMEDIA, the following are the top things you can finish over a weekend.

 

 

 



 1. Replace Old Knobs and Door Handles. This is an easy, inexpensive way to dress up or change the look of doors, cabinets, and more. Many homes in the Cleveland Ohio area are older and have outdated hardware. These small changes can actually transform the look and style of your home. Whether you choose vintage glass, shiny metal or even rustic wood, installing these new knobs and handles can add to the value of your home, as well. Don’t overlook the hinges! If you can’t quite get to those now, but have a squeaky door, try spraying the hinges with a cooking spray like Pam. It works!

2. Install a Greenhouse Window.
A beautiful addition to any room in the home, a greenhouse window will allow you to grow flowers, herbs and other plants even during the winter! Replacing a regular window with a greenhouse window adds dimension, light and display space while eliminating clutter. Available at home supply stores, they come with many options including granite finishes and glass shelves.

3. Paint, Paint, Paint! Painting can instantly change your home’s look and feel. Don’t limit your color change to just your walls - an updated color on furniture or cabinetry can really spice things up, as well. Play with new colors, patterns and techniques. Don’t be afraid of going bold; remember, if you don’t like the way the color looks, you can always paint over it! There’s a wall, trim or doorway in everyone’s home that could use some paint or freshening. Cheap and easy, get to work!

4. Replace Builder Lighting or Outdated Fixtures with remote ceiling fans. Not only will it save energy and keep your air circulating, it will add appeal, value and enhance the beauty of a room and pull your entire decor together from the floor up. Ceiling fans today are modern, fun, classy and relatively easy to install. They come with directions and there’s help online. If you purchase one in a home improvement store the sales people will help you as well! Make sure you call on their advice and expertise, that’s what they’re there for!

5. Work on your closets and cabinets. Most homeowners have secrets hiding in their closets and cabinetry. The closet is the least looked at part of the home and there we tend to find cracking or peeling paint, old contact paper and clutter! How about taking a few hours and organize, adding new shelves, hooks or hardware and giving yourself more room by throwing out or donating some of the items you think one day you’ll use but haven’t in a decade!

6. Don’t forget your home’s air quality.
Change your furnace filter! You can add a couple of dryer sheets to the new one to add a cheap and whole-house air freshener. Remove your vents and soak them in a hot bleach bath while you vacuum inside to remove dust and build up. Clean the hard to reach spots in your home that you don’t get to often. Behind entertainment centers, baseboards, behind heavy furniture and under beds. Removing dust in the home can make it smell better and create a healthier environment!

These fun projects are a great way to pass the time this winter, not to mention the way they’ll quickly improve the look and value of your home!

So if you are thinking about selling your home or condo in Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford, Debary, Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Winter Park, Winter Springs, Downtown Orlando or Baldwin Park call Heather Joubran at 407-810-6304 or email me at hjoubran@remax.net Before listing your house I can help you decide what items will need to be repaired or suggest tips of what could help your home sell faster and avoid unnecessary headaches.

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Heather Unger, GRI, NRBA, CLHMS, CDPE, WinDs

RE/MAX Central Realty

www.HeatherTheRealtor.com     (407) 810-6304

Our Team Specializes in Luxury Real Estate, First Time Home Buyers, Short Sales, Bank Owned Real Estate, REO & Foreclosure Properties

Servicing Real Estate Needs in: Lake Mary, Longwood, Winter Springs, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Thornton Park, College Park, Winter Park, Maitland, Windermere, UCF, Lake Nona, Baldwin Park, Apopka, Ocoee & Winter Garden

 

Comments(3)

Jill Wente
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Gary Greene - Spring, TX
Realtor, CRS, MCNE, CHMS
You are so right. The majority of buyers want a move in ready home. The only buyers who do not are the ones who are looking for a fixer upper with the hopes of benefiting from an increase in equity.
Feb 11, 2008 06:26 AM
Cassie Hansley
Wilikinson and Associates - Lincolnton, NC
I agree. I think the more work they think they have to do, the less desirable the house is and the less they want to pay for it to.
Feb 11, 2008 06:32 AM
James Lockard
RE/MAX Properties - Saddle River - Allendale, NJ
Realtor, Allendale, NJ
It seems to be the trend. Even though people can't afford the house they want, they can get a good deal if they are willing to put in a new bathroom vanity, tear down some wallpaper, throw out some carpets and paint.  Most people are not wiling to do this are are paying a premium for homes that are ready to move right in.  
Feb 11, 2008 10:25 AM