Jim Westerfield - SELL FOR MORE THAN YOUR NEIGHBORS!

house and will pay more for them, especially if they are new or in excellent condition. If you can afford it, buy new appliances. They might be what sets your house apart from the home for sale across the street. If you can’t cover the expense of new appliances, ensure your existing appliances are immaculate and fully functioning.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Whether natural or artificial, bringing in light is one of the most effective ways to show off your home. Harsh light is unflattering to furnishings and features. Dim lighting gives everything in the house a dingy feel. Make sure the light over the sink area is sufficient and working properly. Avoid harsh lighting in the bedroom; strategically placed lamps give bedrooms a peaceful, restful feel. The closet light should be bright, though.

UPDATING HARDWARE

Carefully inspect your bathroom and kitchen hardware. If it’s unsightly or worn, replace it. Put yourself in a buyer’s shoes; your old home will potentially be their new home, after all. Old, worn- out fixtures aren’t going to speak to them the way nice, shiny new hardware will. Unless your knobs, pulls, handles, or hinges are broken, there’s no real reason to replace them. You can get that new look by thoroughly washing, sanding, and painting them with spray paint made specifically for kitchen and bath hardware, which is generally more cost-effective. The goal is to touch up your home and give it a new, clean look without breaking the bank. The Internet has a wealth of do-it-

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