When selling your Denver house, one of the first things you need to do is to get a 3rd party valuation of the property. This figure will be central to what price point you end up settling for when negotiating a sale. Some things, like fixing a roof, won't reflect in a higher price, as these are considered standard up keep on any house and therefore not a reason that a new owner should pay more to own it. However, there are several cosmetic solutions that you can employ that will not only raise the desirability of the home, but your asking price as well.

Create Space. Older houses tend to have more rooms than new ones. Not because they are bigger, but because of their own old fashioned and out dated design philosophy regarding a larger number of smaller rooms. Today, smaller families mean there is less of a need for more rooms, and the emphasis has shifted to larger areas that can flow into each other. What this means for the remodeler is a need to create space. Knocking down non-supporting elements and opening rooms into each other can be a great way to bring an older house into the 21st century, while retaining much of its charm and asthetical appeal. For a very reasonable price, you can see big returns when it comes time to sell.

Landscape. The first impression anyone will have of the house will be approaching it from the outside. Keeping bushes, trees, and other large plants pruned can keep your sight lines pleasant and clean, and brighten interior natural lighting. Unkempt growth can also promote the growth of mold, something that can damage the house over long periods of time.  A recent study of real estate brokers conducted by HomeGain found that a $100-$500 investment in landscaping can net a return of up to four times that amount.

Brighter Lighting. One of the biggest enhancers of a homes' appeal can be how well lit the home appears to be. Natural lighting plays a big part here, and adding windows, skylights, and sun tubes (aka sunscoops, tubular skylights, and light pipes) can dramatically liven up a dark and dismal space. Brighter bulbs, armed with dimmer switches, can help to add to this effect, and also allows you to create the mood that you need. Remember that brighter lighting makes a small area appear larger, and can create a much warmer and inviting atmosphere.

Be sure to make these improvements before the house goes on the market. Showing the property before these improvements are finished is likely a waste of time and can often contradict your own effort as throw away leads that might otherwise have been interested in a finished product. Be patient, and make sure that you only provide the best face you can when selling your Denver home. When you're ready to get a no-obligation estimate of your home's value, give me a call or email me. I'll be happy to help!

The Bandy Team is here for all of your real estate needs. We can help you buy or sell a Denver home. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation. We will show you some terrific property in Denver, including homes in Stapleton and homes in Denver Highlands. You may also be interested in real estate in Parker and many other locations in metro Denver .

Until next time,

Marianne Bandy

Provided courtesy of Ed Michaelson who blogs for We Buy Ugly Houses, a national real estate company which buys homes for investors in Colorado and throughout the US.