Illuminate

Dreary skies of grey have the ability to invade; sometimes our mood...sometimes our choices...but let's hope never in our home! If a home is dark, you can feel it. As I was welcomed into our clients' homes this winter, I often found myself reaching for the light switch, hoping to brighten each room. Having a sense of claustrophobia in a home is never a selling point! When someone walks into a well lighted home, it can bring a sense of cheer. A mood can be altered easily, and since people do buy out of emotion, let's lighten up!

A simple remedy is to make sure all your windows are clean, allowing as much natural lighting through as the climate allows. Is there a large shrub blocking the picture window? Cut it back! Check all the light fixtures and lamps for burned out light bulbs and always place in the highest wattage bulb allowable.
A little extra light in a dim corner can make all the difference in how a room is reflected to your potential buyers. As long as there are Oregon Winters and until the days grow longer, invest a little time and money to brighten each room.
Cheers!

New

A new year with new plans! Perhaps a new home with new spaces to put old things. As you look with new eyes at your soon-to-be-listed home, consider what others will see. A home 'shopper' will be looking in your cabinets and closets, hoping to find ample space to house their cherished possessions. A closet that is packed full tells the potential buyer there is not enough storage. A cabinet that is overflowing with too many toiletries or a kitchen pantry filled to the brim sends a red flag warning of a lack of storage. It is best to tackle these areas by boxing up what isn't needed or used on a daily basis. Leaving some empty shelves and removing items from the closet floor will give the impression that there is more than enough storage room! Hey, you are going to have to pack it up anyway, right?!