Does Your House Need a Facelift?
Does Your House Need a Facelift?
Does Your House Need a Facelift?
Life gets busy and the years pass by quickly. In a snap, you’ll realize that 10 years have passed. Just like the clothes in your closet and hairstyles, your home needs to a “facelift” every so often. With some careful prep and planning, you can (mostly) DIY your house to a younger appearance, all while reducing fine lines and wrinkles! Just kidding, this is not an infomercial for anti-aging serum. If your home has any of the following list, it may be time for an update:
Wallpaper Woes-
Most buyers cringe at wallpaper. It was very trendy and the height of style at one time, but most of today’s buyers only see money and time they will have to expend to get rid of it. This is a great project for the upcoming cooler weather and is a great DIY project—just do it one room or one border at a time.
The Great Wood Paneling Debate-
Wood paneling is the great divide of style—you either love it or really despise it. Although it is in a lot of homes, most buyers do not care for it. Some buyers will not even go look at it because there is too much wood paneling. Yes, I’m serious. It’s a pretty easy fix—just paint it out! You can sheetrock it instead, but that will be more costly than paint. One notable exception is for knotty pine—it’s some sort of cult classic. However, everything in moderation, even if the paneling is of the knotty variety.
Flooring-
Hardwoods, laminate and tile are the most popular flooring choices right now. Carpet has become the new hot item to want to replace (except in bedrooms.) Carpet in wet areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, is sure to get all the wrong kinds of attention. There’s nothing good that comes from wet carpet. If your house has carpet in the bathroom, consider replacing with tile or sheet vinyl.
Hot, Hot, then Not-
Trendy designs and styles are the fastest way to date a house. They are so chic when they are “new,” but once the trend dies, it will severely date a house. Think sunken tubs, conversation pits and brightly colored toilets—all these things tell you exactly when the house was “hot.” When you’re updating, stay with classic appeal. It is easy to want to go with the trendy designs. I get it—it’s so cool! The question is…for how long? You want to get the maximum longevity for your time and money investment. If you want to get trendy—paint a trendy wall color. That can be easily changed as the trend shifts.
If your home needs a facelift, start small. It doesn’t have to be a huge and costly affair—just do it at the pace that is right for you. Everyone wants to be a little younger and your home is no exception. Even small updates matter to your bottom line when it comes time to sell. You might as well enjoy the updates before you decide to sell it!
Lisa E. Priest believes in the power of paint and is a Palestine, Texas Broker/REALTOR® and Property Manager with Picket Fence Realty, Inc. You can reach her via phone or text at 903-948-3343 or read more at BuyPalestine.com
