Your Home as Debutante

By Diane Maier
I know—you love your house and you’re never going to move, but just in case you change your mind, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your largest asset and add appeal for future owners.

When budgeting for upgrades to your home, keep in mind that some things add value to the sales price of your home and other things will cost you when you sell. Take note of the following suggestions:

Curb appeal Keeping your exterior paint in good condition protects your investment and is something that potential buyers can check off their list of things to do. In addition, landscaping gives you a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment. After all, who doesn’t want to walk up to the front door of a well-kept yard?

Energy-efficient appliances Appliances don’t have to be top of the line or state of the art, but you can only save yourself and your future buyer money by purchasing the most energy-efficient models.

Crown molding and decorative trim Crown molding makes a statement and puts the emphasis on detail. It doesn’t have to be grand, but it does need to be well done. The beauty is in the craftsmanship and the invisibility of gaps, joints, and nails.

Window treatments Window treatments usually stay with the house when it sells, so let your buyer pay for your custom window treatments and include them in your asking price. In addition to privacy, add style coupled with energy efficiency and make it a wise investment.

Interior paint Appealing wall color in your home makes the space more livable. White walls show dirt and fingerprints, especially around light switches. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, paint gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

Cabinets and built-ins Sufficient, usable storage is essential to any home. When done well, it makes it easier to access things that you use on a daily basis, as well as items that you use once or twice a year. Anything can be customized nowadays, but don’t make it so custom that it only works for you. Case in point: Just because you need to store a foldaway crib for the two times a year your grandchildren visit doesn’t mean that you really need a cabinet 60 inches wide, 48 inches high, and 18 inches deep that is designed especially to store that crib.

Television/media You want the buyer of your home to want to purchase your electronic audio and video equipment. You don’t want to pack it and move it, especially when you can get the latest and greatest for your new place.

Making smart decisions when personalizing your home can add value to your most valuable asset. Working with a design professional in each of these areas can save you time and money, and it keeps you from making costly mistakes. Professionals can show you where to focus attention and how to look at the bigger picture in terms of spending your dollars wisely. After all, it’s not just a house—it’s a home.