Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Ideas for Fixing & Flipping Houses

  • Start by cleaning the exterior of the property. Does it need light sweeping or a heavier job done with a pressure washer?
  • Check for peeling paint. Can it be touched up, or does the exterior need a full paint job?
  • Is the trim wood in good shape? Any rotted wood will need replacing. Any unpainted or unstained wood will need to be covered.
  • How does the front of the property look from across the street? If plants cover windows or need trimming for other reasons, cutting them back can make a big impact.
  • If there are no pretty plants in the yard, consider planting long-lasting flowers to add color and charm.
  • Any leaning or broken fences or gates should be repaired or replaced.
  • If the lawn is dead or full of weeds, watering and weeding is in order.
  • Replace dated fixtures, house numbers, and other accents.
  • Be sure the front door opens smoothly and looks nice.
  • Cleaning the whole house may make the biggest impact of all. If the house is in otherwise good shape, cleaning kitchen counters, bathrooms, windows, etc. will make a shocking difference and good first impression.
  • Washing windows brings in more light and sparkle.
  • Be sure to vacuum window sills and runners, where dead bugs seem to gather.
  • Where possible, add higher wattage lights for brightness.
  • Walls may need cleaning (especially if the house was owned by a smoker).
  • If the condition of walls is beyond simple cleaning, perhaps a full paint job is in order.
  • Walls in good condition, but with odd or dark colors, will be improved greatly by covering with white or very lightly off-white paint. This will make the room seem larger, as well.
  • Look over window coverings. Are they an asset or a liability to the property? If in poor shape or outdated, remove them.
  • Any décor item that is not attached to the real estate will still be the seller’s property to take home once the house is sold.
  • Therefore, investing in a few décor items, such as mirrors, art, new bath and kitchen towels (that may be used in the next house or one’s own home), etc. can give the house a homey feeling and direct buyers’ eyes to specific areas.
  • If window coverings need to be added, choose light, neutral colors. Windows with a great view may be best left uncovered.
  • Some homes need cute decorations, some more expensive houses need elegant decor. Access the home and choose decor that enhances the particular home.
  • To save money, decor can sometimes be borrowed from friends or even one's own home.
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