Lighten and Brighten Your Home to Improve it's Value
One of the most high impact yet low cost improvements you can make to increase your home's value and prepare it for sale is lightening and brightening. Buyers look for space, light and comfort. Often, all a homeowner has to do is make simple touch-ups that can create very noticeable results.
For instance, it is important to make the entry to your house as light and bright as possible. Bright light can make a small home appear larger, while soft light provides a warm, cozy atmosphere to empty spaces.
Tips for Lightening and Brightening Your Home Before Selling
| • | Clean all windows, inside and out |
| • | Wipe all light fixtures with a rag and cleaning solution |
| • | Keep curtains open; use as much natural light as possible |
| • | Prune outside trees to allow as much natural light inside as possible |
| • | Use the brightest light bulbs possible, while making sure they have the right wattage |
| • | Install dimming switches in common rooms, such as dining rooms and living rooms, to allow you to create lighting for different occasions |
| • | Install new window treatments if yours are damaged or dated |
| • | Polish brass and glass |
| • | Clean existing shutters, blinds and drapes |
| • | Make sure all outdoor lighting works |
| • | Make sure all windows open easily. Repair sticky windows that don’t open |
| • | Clean all switch plates |
| • | At night, turn on porch light and other outdoor lighting |
Best of all, this "lighten and brighten" checklist can be done without calling a professional.
Get the best price for your home by increasing its value with simple improvements. Find more tips at Homescout's Home Improvements page.
Want to know what your home is worth? Try HomeScout's Home Values tool to get your home's price.
Start Your REALTOR® search: