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Home Seller Tips for 2013

November 19, 2012 By Doug Francis

Shower Tile ideas

New tile is a selling point

Any home seller who plans to move up to a larger home should do some research on the current competition. It ain’t just pricing that is essential, it is the overall condition of the product you are selling.

Right now, I have a few clients who are planning the big upgrade from their first homes (pre-kids) to new homes… and one large enough for the five of them. Times have changed and today’s HGTV trained home buyers really are placing a premium on basic upgrades, and leaving any home without the basics in the dust. Yes, there are some homes that are so “dated” that the back of the listing sheet price list of updates becomes overwhelming.

In real estate: Small Updates = Good Results

These tips should get you started…

  • Replace those brass light fixtures! One of the easiest things for a homeowner can do is update their light fixtures inside and out.
  • Sellers, you gotta paint! Another inexpensive investments is fresh paint on the walls, trim and ceilings. Yes, I can recommend a professional painter but if you have the time you can get rolling this weekend. Another tip… look at some of those catalogs stacked up in your house for contemporary color combinations.
  • Do you have wallpaper? Wallpaper typically was selected to go with a theme you had in mind at the time. My two cents here: it’s gotta go!
  • How full are your closets, basement or garage? It is time to thin out those spaces of 35% of the stuff you see right now. Donate some old clothes. Make some executive decisions and toss some stuff that you haven’t used in five years. If you must keep things then consider renting a storage unit for three to six months. Basically, a brick rambler full of stuff has little appeal.
  • Updating your kitchen faucet can be another relatively inexpensive upgrade for a home seller, but if your counter is old orange Formica then you may need a counter and new sink. Bathrooms sometimes feature the original tile in shades of pink, tellow or blue… so know that new tile isn’t overly expensive but can be a great selling point.

You can do a lot to get you home ready to sell in 30 days if you are ready to try.

Yes, that’s the free Internet consultation. Let’s talk about hiring me… here is some more information about how I sell your home.

 

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Filed Under: Blog, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: Arlington, HGTV, real estate, seller, Vienna Virginia, virginia

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In-depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he was profiled in a commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" global ad campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna (#3!). He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

I’m so excited that you found me! Yes, this site covers real estate, but also a lot about lifestyle and  living in Vienna, Virginia outside Washington, D.C.

There is a lot of info here, and you can also contact me with any specific real estate questions. And, at home consultations are available too.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let me help you: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing, and my marketing starts here. My clients have been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients for 2023 right now.

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