Nudge Up Your Property Value
 Kirsten Hawkins

First impressions make a big difference, and selling your home
is no exception. Sometimes big repairs and major renovations
just aren't in the budget, but when it comes time to sell your
home, you naturally want to get the best price possible. There
are a few quick, affordable things you can do around your house
to kick up your property value and leave potential buyers with a
good feeling. And that good feeling might just lead to a good
sale.

The first thing you should do is the first thing potential
buyers will see. Paint your front door. Even if the door is in
good shape, it's worthwhile to add a splash of color to make
your home stand out- both on the street and in the buyer's
memories. A great shade of barn red or forest green will add
some interest and draw the eye towards the door, which is,
after all, the center of your home. Make sure to choose a warm,
inviting color, and paint neatly, wiping up any spills. A gallon
of good outdoor paint is cheap, and the effect will be worth it.


Wash your windows. So many sellers don't think of this one, but
it can possibly make the biggest impact out of anything you will
do to prepare your home for the market. Everyone loves natural
light, and the build-up on windows occurs so gradually that
most people don't even realize they are losing much of the
light they could be getting. Getting them clean can be a bit of
a pain if you have a house with multiple stories, but trust us,
it's worth it. Call a professional if necessary. Just get the
windows clean, inside and out, and remove and wash any curtains
or blinds. If you haven't done this in awhile, you might feel as
though you've knocked out a wall when you see the amount of
light that comes pouring in. And potential buyers will see it
too.

Finally (and this one is easy), put up some house numbers. This
is a tiny trick that helps stamp your house into the buyers'
minds, and creates a lasting impression. Go to the hardware
store, and buy some brass or iron numbers that match your
house's decor. Attach them to the porch, the front door, or
wherever seems appropriate. Just make sure they're bright,
tasteful, and noticeable. Potential buyers will see the numbers
and imagine it as their address, which opens the door to them
feeling at home in your house. Making your house numbers
noticeable will, at the very least, keep your property from
fading into a generic list of houses that the buyers might have
seen already.

Of course, property value is determined by much larger factors
than we've discussed here. But if you're hovering on the edge
of receiving a certain price, a few extra steps to help nudge
you up further can't hurt. And might just pay off.


About The Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a real estate expert from
Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.king-of-real-estate.com/ for
more information on real estate, mortgages, and finding the
house of your dream.