JACKSONVILLE, Florida – First impressions are important, particularly when it comes to selling a house. Attractive, well maintained homes tend to sell faster and at a higher price than homes that are rundown or need a lot of work.
Jacksonville interior designer Judith Sisler Johnston says the perceived value of the home is directly related to design. Before putting the home up for sale, she recommends homeowners take several basic steps to enhance their home and make it more appealing to potential homebuyers.
“If a homeowner wants to move up or build a new home, yet has to sell their existing home before they purchase, it’s a wise investment to incorporate some basic design ideas into their preparation to ensure that they receive top dollar for their home,” Sisler Johnston said. “Making the right modifications can add to the home’s resale value.”
Many homeowners find it challenging to see their home from the eyes of a potential homebuyer who wants to imagine what their life would be like in the home. Sisler Johnston says a professional interior designer can help evaluate the home and offer an unbiased assessment on ways to make it more saleable.
“Keep in mind that a person’s lifestyle and the way they live in their home is different than how a seller should prepare their home for sale,” Sisler Johnston said.
Get started by making the house look more spacious and inviting by thoroughly cleaning and de-cluttering every part of the home, including closets and storage areas, both inside and out.
Give the home curb appeal since the exterior is everyone’s first impression. The lawn should be well manicured and enhance the landscaping if necessary. Overgrown shrubs should be trimmed or replaced with smaller ones. Sometimes the addition of flowers will make the home’s approach more inviting. Homeowners with cement driveways or walkways may
consider using a concrete stain in an earth tone to coordinate with the home’s exterior.
Proper lighting, outdoors and inside the home, is important because it makes the home more welcoming. Attractive lamps and light fixtures add illumination and sparkle
to all areas of the home. Investing in new carpeting, such as Berber or Frieze styles, adds to the homes’ perceived value and often yields sellers a great return.
A fresh coat of paint is one of the best and most cost effective ways to enhance the home. Sisler Johnston, whose interior design firm specializes in designing new construction model homes, says a designer can help highlight the floor plan’s strengths with color palette selections. Several of her designs demonstrate the effective use of color, including using neutral tones with colorful accents as an alternative to white painted walls and ceilings.
Television home makeover shows often make renovations look fast and easy, however they work with unlimited budgets and many volunteers. While it adds an expense, Sisler Johnston says hiring a licensed interior designer is a wise investment for anyone who is selling a house.
“A qualified interior designer can recommend upgrades that add to the bottom line,” Sisler Johnston said. “They know how get the most impact for the lowest dollars. The same is true for anyone building a new home. If it is desgned for resale from the beginning, it will retain its value and offer a good return when it’s time to sell.”
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