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

In the past, we have 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 three 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. Outdated Ceiling Fan,  Kitchen Appliances, Ranges and Dishwashers--Most sellers should realize by now that current buyers are expecting at least a partially updated kitchen.  Since families spend much of their time in and around the kitchen, old worn out equipment becomes a burden both physically and financially. Additionally, quality counter tops are now among the requested items in many neighborhoods.  It becomes important to balance how much it would cost to replace many of these items with how much more they would add to the value and appeal of your home. 

2. Old Fixtures: Since you have often spent years in your home, you many not notice the old lighting fixtures, dull ceiling lamps, and the older outdated handles and pulls on the doors and cabinets throughout your home.  These elements are often jarring, and are so very easy to replace at a very reasonable price through you local home improvement store.  Ideas on the best choices are all over the Internet for your research and review. 

3. Old Wallpaper:  While wallpaper is often recommended when designing a fresh new room, leaving your old wallpaper on the walls may be a serious mistake.  First of all, the need to remove it becomes a chore for the new buyer, thus unappealing, and secondly, it tends to reflect your taste, and not theirs.  The best bet is to remove it, and paint the walls an attractive color. 

Many older Berkeley and Piedmont homes have to deal with these issues, so take the time to consider your plans with regard to these issues before putting your home on the market.