How things shape up
Fannie Maria, who moved to Brooksby last June, found the time was right to sell her home of 51 years when its multiple levels became different to maneuver. She had help from her family and professionals to get her house in shape, which meant cleaning its cesspool and adding carbon monoxide detectors, among other things.
Despite the work, Maria says the move was well worth it.
“I have everything like home right in this apartment,” she says. “I’m happy where I am and that’s where I’ll be.
Getting your house show-ready
Tips from Realtor Carrie Cayer
1. “Painting [inside] is the least expensive thing to do with the largest return on investment,” she says. She recommends painting the walls a neutral color, such as beige. White can appear cold and may clash with wood trim or flooring.
2. Put additional lighting in dark rooms, either by adding new floor lamps or increasing the wattage of your light bulbs.
3. Take a look at your plumbing and lighting fixtures. If they look tarnished or out-of-date, try replacing them with chrome, or silver-like, color. It is relatively easy and inexpensive.
4. If you have hardwood flooring beneath your carpeting, remove the carpet. “It makes a world of difference,” Cayer says.
5. Depending on the age of your appliances, consider updating to stainless steel.
6. If your carpet has an additional life span, have it professionally cleaned.
7. Depersonalize your property by removing pictures and packing up some of your things that you don’t need; this will also create more space.
8. Outside, keep a “simple, neat, and orderly entranceway,” Cayer says. A small investment in potted spring flowers can brighten things up.
9. If your house is a muted color, use vibrant-colored flowers in front.
10. Replace your welcome mat for a fresh start.