STAGING--

SMALL IMPROVEMENTS, LARGE PROSPECTS  If your home has been on the market for a while, and you're not getting any serious takers, you might want to make a couple of inexpensive updates and modest improvements to add a little pizzazz. For less than $1000 you can freshen up a look or add a number of attractive touches that will net you far more.

Put a new spin on your interior to catch the prospective buyer's eye. Instead of major improvements, think about creating an updated, fresh look in the house with new towels in the bath, new throw rugs in the kitchen, a little paint, and a grouping of new candles on the mantle, a new throw, and toss pillows on the couch.

Consider rearranging furniture and even removing some of it to create a showroom effect. You can beef up any setting with natural light by adding a skylight. A new coat of paint in the foyer will set the stage for the rest of the viewing. Pick up a couple of framed prints that go well with your decor and use them to jazz up a blank wall.

A recent report by Remodeling magazine stated that bathroom additions and minor kitchen remodels, like new flooring or refinishing the cabinets, bring the highest return on investment. The report calculates that a $15,000 investment could bring a return of more than 147 percent when it comes time to sell.

Every buyer wants to feel that she is able to move into your home with little or no remodeling, painting, major renovations, make-overs, and last, but surely not least, without lots of major cleaning. So make your home look as turn-key ready as you can. Clean everything from top to bottom and simplify the look by removing personal photos and knick-knacks. A move-in ready house is the ultimate find for any buyer. Primping a home prior to resale is like staging a commercial where everyone is "tall and thin," says one designer.

KITCHEN BEFORE

This kitchen with its buzy wallpaper was not attracting buyers. Karen suggested removing it and painting the walls a neutral color.


This kitchen is now applealing with its two-tone paint, looks larger and is ready for new owners. New refrigerator was purchased to match the other black appliances. The floor is now the star attraction.


BEFORE
Notice the shower in Master, not very inviting.

AFTER
What a difference. The wallpaper was removed and now the shower is now lighted and brigher. The neutral tiles make it modern and inviting to new buyers.

Check out bath area. 

New paint freshens the room. Neutral towels soften the room and adds lots of texture. Candles and a vase in the corner add ambiance. Can't you just picture yourself relaxing in this lovely tub?