subject: 7 Home Improvement Tips By St Louis Mortgage Brokers [print this page] There is one thing homeowners should do before putting their home on the market and that is taking a close look at recommended home improvement ideas that agents suggest and how you can make your home look like new at a great price.
1. Make Your Kitchen Hot
Depending on your budget, why not start with the less expensive type of replacements that will make your old kitchen look like new. Remember, this is probably one of the most important rooms in your house to show off to the new family. Start with some new lighting fixtures and do not forget to replace the old cabinet door handles. A new sink or kitchen faucets will do wonders for the perfect open house. And if you have a larger budget, think about refacing your kitchen cabinets which is still less than buying new ones.
2. A Face-Lift Will Make Your Home Look Younger
Another eyesore you want to avoid is if your kitchen appliances do not match. A simple solution would be to order new doors or face panels from the manufacturer. Most people don't realize this but many dishwasher panels are white on one side and black on the other and they are easy to change.
3. Bathroom Buff Up Tips
Another important room in your home is none other than the bathroom. Some simple changes you can make rather quickly would be a new toilet seat or a pedestal sink. They are easy to install and won't break the bank.
A good place to start is to replace broken tile chips with news ones. Put new grout in if you cannot clean the old stuff. Also take a good look at the floor. You can make an old bathroom look new by putting in new vinyl or sheet tile and still remain within your budget.
4. Get Out The Brushes and Start Painting
People seem to forget that painting is not only an inexpensive home improvement, but it can bring an old room alive. It will look new and clean. Paint all trim a contrasting color and do the ceiling!
Some consumers are now painting their walls three different shades of the same color. You first paint the bottom wall with the darkest shade. Once it dries, do the middle section with the next lightest shade and so forth.
5. Let's Get To The Bottom Of Things
What do you see? Old carpeting? Then you need to take some steps in making this look like new which in turn will reflect the same look on your entire home. This is no time to do-it-yourself. Call a professional carpet cleaner and let them do their voodoo that they do so well.
On the other hand, if your carpet is showing serious wear, a quick cover up could be an inexpensive, strategically placed area rug. Replacing wall-to-wall carpet is not always the best idea since most new homeowners moving in will want to choose their own carpeting.
6. The Entrance Says It All
To make a great first impression, make your entrance as unforgettable as you possibly can. The door must look impeccable. If it is wooden, then paint or refinish it. If it is dented, then either a new steel door is needed or consider a fiberglass replacement.
Another good idea is to replace the door nob, lock set and knocker. You can also place two large planters on both sides of the front door. But make absolutely sure that they compliment each other and the home.
7. Your Home and Curb Appeal
You may have heard this advice time and time again especially from your agent, but a nicely mowed lawn, a few well-placed shrubs and a swept walkway makes an incredible first impression. As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Your house may be immaculate, but if the outside is in shambles, they may never come back.
So, if you don't have a green thumb or not enough time, hire a landscaper. These changes can be inexpensive and will change the perception of your home. It may even help increase the overall value of the house you are selling which you and your St Louis mortgage broker will love when buying your next home.
