Selling this fall?

Six upgrades to secure a speedy sale (BPT) -

 If you’ll be putting your home on the market this year, simple, cost-effective upgrades can help ensure a speedy sale at a good price.

“In the world of real estate, it’s often necessary for sellers to spend a little on upgrades in order to achieve a satisfying home sale,” says Bethany Richmond, communications director for the Carpet & Rug Institute. “Fortunately, some of the most impressive upgrades, such as new carpeting, are also affordable. Such upgrades ensure that you don’t have to spend a lot to achieve a better selling price.”

Here are six easy-to-do upgrades that are both cost-effective and high-impact:

1. Replace carpet
 It’s easy to see the impact of worn or dated carpeting. “If you don’t like looking at it, buyers won’t either,” Richmond says. “Replacing old or damaged carpet delivers impressive appeal for a modest investment.” New carpet is one upgrade that has a high ratio of value to cost. It substantially increases perceived value for homebuyers without requiring home sellers to spend a bundle. “Even less expensive carpet styles will freshen the look of a room and prepare it for sale,” Richmond notes. “You can get a lot more quality for just a little more money, she says, “and if you take advantage of spring carpet sales, installing new carpeting can cost even less.”

 2. Clean flooring
 If your carpet is still in great shape, then simply having it professionally cleaned can make it look even

better. A deep professional cleaning helps lift tough soils and provides a cleaner, fresher look to rooms. CRI experts can even provide insight into how to remove difficult stains. Not only is carpet a good value, it’s healthy, too. People with allergies or other sensitivities are installing carpet to improve indoor air quality. Recent studies support previous findings that carpet, when effectively cleaned, traps allergens and other particles, resulting in less dust, dander and airborne contaminants escaping into the air. Don’t forget to clean all other flooring, including hardwood, laminates and tile. Buyers will appreciate a sparkling clean appearance throughout the house.

3. Repaint in neutral shades 
 Fresh paint is another smart and cost-effective upgrade for sellers. Buyers expect it, yet many sellers hesitate to repaint. Perhaps they like the existing colors or balk at the cost of professional painting services. Yet repainting in neutral colors makes a room look fresher and brighter, and gives buyers a visual “blank slate” against which to imagine their own decor. Do the work yourself and you can reduce the cost of repainting even further.

 4. Update or upgrade lighting 
 You may find that disco-ball style globe light charming in your kitchen, but the average buyer doesn’t want dated or unusual lighting. Replacing dated or worn fixtures, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, is a cost-effective way to give a room a more up-to-date, contemporary look. If you already have newer fixtures, consider replacing incandescent bulbs with high-efficiency options such as CFLs or LEDs. Although they’re a bit more expensive to purchase, these bulbs last years longer – a selling point for buyers who will reap the value of not having to replace bulbs any time in the near future.

 5. Install new faucets 
 A high-end faucet can completely change the look and usability of a kitchen or bathroom. In terms of cost versus value, an upgraded faucet, such as pull-out or even touch-free styles, can dramatically increase perceived value for a relatively modest investment. An upgraded faucet is a thoughtful touch that will set your home apart in buyers’ minds.

 6. Replace hardware throughout the home 
 You may have already thought of upgrading kitchen cabinet knobs and drawer pulls, but have you also upgraded hardware in your bathroom or on the front door? These seemingly small items have a major impact on the overall visual effect of a home. In desirable rooms such as kitchens and baths, designer hardware can elevate the entire look of the room. And upgraded door hardware will ensure buyers have a positive first impression from the moment they enter your home.

For more tips on adding style to your home for a speedy sale, call Interior Surfaces at 614.761.7856 and make an appointment to meet with any of our staff at 4353 H Tuller Road, Dublin, OH 43017.

3 Ways to Make Your House Look Like a "Million Dollar Listing" for Less

(BPT) - A new report reveals houses are selling faster and for more money, yet another indicator of a rebounding housing market. According to the National Association of Realtors, full-year sales of previously owned homes increased by 9 percent in 2012 over the previous year. Plus, home prices jumped up 12.3 percent, the biggest percentage gain since January 2005. -

This will challenge sellers to sharpen their competitive edge as more homeowners, encouraged by promising indicators, put their house on the market. Josh Altman, one of the top 10 realtors in the country and star of Bravo's hit TV show "Million Dollar Listing: L.A.," shares three strategies for making houses more desirable to buyers.

1.) Install hardwood floors

"Installing hardwood floors is one of the smartest investments a seller can make," said Altman. "Hardwood flooring is easy to install, never goes out of style and is extremely desirable to homebuyers."

Countless hardwood flooring options, including popular bamboo varieties, allow homeowners to easily select a floor that looks great and fits within their budget. Homeowners can even differentiate their floors - and houses - by transferring the flooring's warranty to the new owner.

Laminate or vinyl flooring is another option for getting a fresh, updated look. Laminate enables homeowners to get the look of hardwood for less, and there are even options for DIY novices, such as flooring that easily clicks together without glue or nails.

2.) Increase the curb appeal

First impressions matter, and home buying is no different. "Making a few updates to a house's exterior goes a long way in making houses more inviting and valuable," said Altman.

Homeowners can put their green thumbs to work by weeding their garden, trimming plants and branches and adding color by planting vibrant flowers in containers or planters. Simple repairs and updates offer a lot of bang for your home improvement buck, whether it's getting a new front door, updating house numbers or painting the trim, downspouts and gutters.

3.) Update the kitchen

Remodeling a kitchen can bring a home to the top market value, and you don't have to tear down walls or break the bank to do it. "No matter what budget a homeowner has, there are simple ways to add that wow factor to a kitchen," said Altman.

Unique, stylish light fixtures can create a warm and inviting environment, while new appliances add visual interest and help increase the value of a home. Even subtle touches like updating cabinet hardware or installing a tile backsplash behind a stove can give a kitchen the facelift it needs.

Interior Surfaces would love to help you make your home more desirable for buyers. Call 614.761.7856 and make an appointment and meet with any of our staff at 4353 H Tuller Road, Dublin, OH 43017.