Let There Be Light!

How time is flying and spring is just around the corner! The spring buying season is beginning to ramp up. Nicer weather and the government tax incentives (good through April 30th) are really going to get buyers and their checkbooks out!

As the days are getting longer it is really important to “let the sun shine in”. Bright, sun lit rooms feel larger, smell fresher, and set the stage for a happy, cheerful and “homey” feel. But beware… along with sunlight comes the downside of exposing flaws that a darker room would not reveal. The first is dirt & dust will stand out like a sore thumb. This may necessitate vacuuming and dusting more often than usual while your house is on the market. Also, scratches on hardwood floors, carpet stains, and paint imperfections become much more noticeable. Walk around your rooms in the bright sunlight and see what shows up. Uneven sheetrock and poor seams will even show up when exposed to the light. But most importantly make sure the windows are spotless. Clean windows imply clean everywhere. It sets the tone in the buyer’s mind even before they open the door that this is going to be a well maintained and clean home.

Almost as important as daylight is the artificial light which comes from lamps & light fixtures. Even though a showing may be mid-day with bright sunshine, the lighting inside plays a vital role. Whenever possible turn on lamps and bathroom fixtures. This helps to eliminate dark spots and makes a home feel much cozier and more inviting. And, even in these days of energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, be aware that the wrong bulb can create a cold “refrigerator light” that is not very appealing. I would recommend that while your home is on the market you replace the compact fluorescent bulbs with incandescent bulbs or at least make sure the bulbs you use are of a natural “daylight” quality. Make especially sure that any rooms without natural light are well lit such as bathrooms, garages and basements. You don’t want anyone feeling around for a light switch or walking into a dark “scary” basement. Many buyers just won’t make the trip and can miss seeing some of your homes best features.

Get it right by letting in the light!!

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts on home staging with you.

Have a great week.