Times are tough... the markets are falling, falling, falling (insert Wylie Coyote scream here) and with it house prices. For those of us in Calgary, we've already experienced the one-two punch and this latest crisis feels like the big K-O. Even worse is that most Real Estate Professionals feel like the worst is yet to come.
But this isn't a time for us to dwell in our misery, it's a time for us to lean in, take a look around and see what we can do to be proactive? Like our favourite, Canadian sitcom brother Michael J. Fox said: "I like to encourage people to realize that any action is a good action if it's proactive and there is positive intent behind it."
So why not take advantage of the extra time you have and work on elevating your house's potential. It's amazing what you can learn how to do by following a few YouTube videos and all of the things I am sharing are 100% doable on your own.
Here are 7 things you can do now to improve your home and maybe even help maintain its value.
1. Change Out Old Fixtures & Hardware
I absolutely love the new gold trend. Take a look at your faucet and cupboard hardware could they use a refresh. Only do this if your cupboards are somewhat modern adding new hardware to old oak cabinets isn't going to work - you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. If this is the challenge your facing, consider painting out your cupboards.
2. Paint
There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint in your home to make it feel fresh. Bright white walls are extremely popular again and will instantly brighten up your home.
Call one of our favourite business partners Mahogany Paint & Co. - the folks over there are even doing delivery right now, so you can accomplish all of your painting dreams.
3. Declutter
Seriously! If not now when? The dump is still open, consider it a fun afternoon out. Get in that storage room, garage or unfinished basement and finally expel all of that old crap.
4. Do Your Home Maintenance
How long has it been since you replaced the furnace filter, cleaned and sealed the grout or replaced peeling silicone? This is your chance! Get on top of your home maintenance this is something that will always pay off when you sell your house. A well-maintained home will do better on the market than one beat the hell up even if it's older. Take care of your stuff! For tons of awesome cleaning and maintenance tips follow local cleaning company @gocleanco
5. Change Your Lighting
Nothing changes the look and feel of a room faster than changing out the boring old light fixture. Not only is it fast but it can be super affordable, lighting doesn't have to cost thousands of dollars to look AHHHHH-mazing. Here are some lighting options I've been looking at for a while.
6. Landscape
The weather (it seems) is finally starting to warm up, take this extra time to spruce up the exterior of your home. Is the grass in your backyard more of a weed patch? Maybe you have pets that have done their best to give your grass a polka-dot effect? What about the front of the home? Simply by adding some new shrubs, a garden bed, some rocks, a new light and or house numbers and a fresh coat of paint will make you wonder who's house this even is. Remember that when selling a home the exterior makes the first impression.
7. Stretch Your Interior Design Muscle
Nows a great time to try restyling some bookshelves or rearranging the furniture. Pinterest has a plethora of ideas on how to bring beauty to your space. We often hear from our clients after we've staged their house "this is how I always dreamed it would look". You shouldn't wait until you are moving to live in the house you always wanted. You would be amazed what simply moving a few pieces around can do!
