My Piedmont and Oakland Real Estate Adventures. History, Architecture and Homes

In a very recent blog, I talked about having a clean, clutter free and odor free home when putting it on the market.  While all of that is true, there are four things that can often get overlooked, and are, if left in place, unappealing to future buyers.  The good news is that they can be corrected in a short period of time. 

1. Old Flooring--From the entryway forward, your floors should reflect care and cleanliness.  If your home is older, and you are still clinging to outdated, stained rugs or stair treads, consider having them replaced or removed. Handsome wooden floors that show the grain and patina of the home are appealing to many buyers.  

2. Outdated Kitchens--Most buyers are looking for refreshed kitchens today.  Busy families spend time in the kitchen, and old, worn out appliances become both and irritation and a burden.  Most buyers expect at least a partially updated kitchen.  Consider the condition of your kitchen range, dishwasher and refrigerator.  How about your counter space?  It is important to evaluate how much it would cost to replace old appliances, vs. how much this would add to the value and appeal of your home.

3. Old Fixtures--You have lived with old fixtures for a while.  They are easily taken for granted, and maybe not even noticed by you as you go about your daily activities.  But for buyers, old lighting fixtures, dull ceiling lamps, outdated handles and pulls on doors and cabinet are also jarring.  The good news is that they are easily, and usually economically replaced at your local home improvement store.

4. Old Wallpaper--While wallpaper can enhance a room with a unique design, it can also prove to be a problem if it is not attractive to most buyers.  First, the need to remove it can become an unwanted chore for a new buyer, and secondly, it tends to reflect your taste, not theirs.  The best choice is to remove it, and paint the walls and attractive color.  

Many older homes, whether in Oakland or Piedmont,  will have these issues to deal with.  If you deal with them early, you will be ahead of the competition once your home goes on the market.   

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• Selling Your Home (2)
• Creating Buyer Appeal (1)
• Updating Your Home For Sale (1)