add a flooring allowance in the final contract.
LIGHTING
Having good lighting is a key element when you’re trying to sell your home, but it’s important not to put too much time and energy into it. If you have any broken-beyond-repair or old-but-not-in- a-good-way fixtures, go ahead and replace them with something nice but inexpensive. Everything else should be repaired as necessary and, of course, cleaned up. One reason you want to keep this update to a minimum cost- and time-wise is because, according to the National Association of Realtors®, a lot of buyers end up swapping out the fixtures after they move in regardless of their age. If your lighting’s looking tired, an easy and inexpensive way to update them is a spray paint made specifically for metal, which you can find at your local hardware store. Another idea is to do a partial update by just replacing the globes to make an old fixture to look fresh and new. If your lights are broken, be sure to weigh your costs when debating repair versus replace. Always go with the cheapest option! Obviously, you want to make sure all the light bulbs are in good working order. Where you can, replace your current bulbs with brighter ones. The brighter the space, the more open it will appear, and that’s definitely a feeling you want potential buyers to have! Along with the lights themselves, take a good look at any ceiling fans. If the blades look worn, they can be easily and inexpensively replaced; if not, do some dusting while you’re up there!
HARDWARE
You should also take a hard and honest look at your hardware—all the like hinges, handles, knobs, and pulls. Obviously, if anything’s
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