Older homes always add some character to the real estate market. Often these houses are in neighbourhoods that have mature trees and quieter surroundings. However, you also want your home to compete with newer homes on the market too. As a result, you may need to modernize a bit to show the potential your home has to buyers. To sell an older home – price it accordingly and give your home some updates to be more appealing and also not lose its charm.
You will need to stage your home appropriately so it does not scream the 1970s. When you are getting started you will need to box away knick-knacks and personal items. Package them or store them away while you are doing your decluttering. If furniture is crowding your rooms, opt for less furniture that can be moved away from the walls into groupings.
Often older homes have smaller rooms. You can have some non-load-bearing walls removed so you can open up the space and add some natural light. Remove old wallpaper or borders. Although there is a resurgence for wallpaper it is often just a feature wall that is now the fad and not complete dining rooms, bathrooms, or bedrooms.
If older carpeting is covering your floors, you may be amazed at beautiful hardwood that may lie beneath. Buyers are always interested in hardwood and this may be an amazing selling feature for your home.
Nothing dates a home more than popcorn ceilings. Opt to give your ceilings a more modern look. If you are not into DIY, hire a pro to do it for you. Remember a white ceiling elevates your eyes and makes your room look bigger.
Many older homes have beautiful large windows. Accentuate these windows with long, billowy curtains to let in light. Don’t be afraid to update your bedroom and bathrooms with more modern linens, bright pieces of art or colourful cushions.
If your kitchen or bathrooms need an update, sometimes just the addition of more modern tiles on your floor, changing the countertop and painting your cupboards can add that zing to appeal to your buyers.
Don’t forget to set the stage of the exterior of your home. If you can’t afford to replace your door, add some paint to liven it up. There are many colours to pick from including historical colours that can go with an older home. Change the exterior lights and add some greenery around your front door.
These are just some suggestions that you might want to try to give your older home a facelift. Our Anne Winch Ottawa Real Estate Team can also help you modernize your older home. Chat with us first before you spend lots of dollars. Our many years of staging and selling homes can give you some ideas on what you may need to do to sell your home. We would love to hear from you!