Seeing past the surface imperfections

You have been searching for the right home for yourself and nothing seems to be meeting your needs. Many homebuyers will see roughly 10 homes prior to making an offer on one, but if you are on your 40th home, you may be paying attention to the wrong things when previewing a property.

Paint colors can turn anyone off when entering a home and the same goes for wallpaper. Even if the paint color is on the outside of the home, that can easily be changed and could give you the opportunity to personalize the property to your likes by repainting. Don’t allow the colors on the walls stop you from seeing the full potential of the property.

I personally have had many buyers overlook a home simply because there was no fence in the backyard. Many people today want a yard because of a pet or children or they simply prefer the privacy of a fence, but don’t let that stop you! But a fence can easily be installed for many times cheaper than a home that comes with a fenced in yard. You will need to pull a permit, usually through the municipality. Check with the building department to see if one is needed or not.

Light fixtures inside a home can make a night-and-day difference when it comes to their age, design or color, but if they don’t suit your taste, don’t let that deter you from making an offer. Light fixtures are an easy weekend DIY project and are a great way for you to personalize the property as well!

Never, ever, ever, EVER base your decision on the furniture inside of home, since most likely the current homeowner will be taking that with them. Even if the home comes with the furniture, it can easily be sold at a garage sale or donated for a tax deduction to a charity. Instead of the furniture, pay attention to the size of it compared to the size of the room it is in. That will help you with layout and flow once the home is yours!

Lastly, window treatments usually stay with the home since they are fitted to the size of the windows. This, too, is an easy change! If they are vertical blinds all you need to do is change the slats and keep the hardware. Your local hardware store usually has hundred of color choices and selections.

Deciding on a home can be difficult, but always remember to look past what can be easily changed and picture your personalized touches in their place.

To contact me, call 708-583-8300, email gz@zerillorealty.com or visit www.zerillorealty.com