Can't Sell? Upgrade and Stay Instead!

Still haven’t sold your home yet? Well, let’s talk a little bit more on what to do with your investment while you wait for the upcoming market swing. A small investment in updating your home can pay you dividends in return both now while you stay there and later when you sell it.

Last time we talked a little about paint and what it can do for your house. This time let’s talk about how you increase the curb appeal of your property without borrowing against your retirement plan.

So, let’s take a look at a few of them:

Okay, now we are going to talk about your entry way. Take a step back and honestly ask yourself if it really looks inviting. Does it say, “Come on in, it’s warm inside, stay for a while, take your coat off, care for a cup of coffee?” or does it say “Hope you are not staying long, leave the paper at the door when you go”. Just ask yourself when you step up to the door and walk inside - does the entrance make you want to see more? These kinds of questions are very important for you to understand as this area is the first place a lasting impression is made.

Here is one idea that will not cost an arm and a leg – change your lighting. No, I am not talking about investing thousands; I am simply talking about getting a few lights for the sidewalk such as solar powered units like those shown on the left. These have come down drastically in price over the years and are very discrete and sometimes whimsical.

Another is to change up your porch light. Instead of something that gives of the intensity of the sun you might want to tone it down a bit. Use a low wattage bulb preferably the new energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's). You would be surprised what that will do to your entrance while saving you energy dollars. The entrance fixtures pictured on the left are just a small sample of what is on the market today.

One very simple item to improve is an illuminated door bell switch to make it easier to see at night.