Instead of just asking me to help with his kitchen remodel, my friend made me an offer I couldn't refuse: Want to come over and knock down a wall?
While that's one way to make your house feel bigger, it's probably not the best option if you're putting your house on the market. Here are a few easier ways to add a sense of space.
Cut the clutter
Everyone knows they should do this, but few people go far enough. Don't put books and magazines in neat piles-get rid of them. Put knickknacks in storage, and pare down your furniture. It's better to have a few large pieces than several small ones.
Everyone knows they should do this, but few people go far enough. Don't put books and magazines in neat piles-get rid of them. Put knickknacks in storage, and pare down your furniture. It's better to have a few large pieces than several small ones.
Take a walk
Every house has natural paths, from the kitchen to the dining room or from the living room to the bathroom, and these walkways must be clear. You may not mind detouring around a large sectional to get from the TV room to the kitchen, but buyers will think your TV room isn't big enough.
Every house has natural paths, from the kitchen to the dining room or from the living room to the bathroom, and these walkways must be clear. You may not mind detouring around a large sectional to get from the TV room to the kitchen, but buyers will think your TV room isn't big enough.
Look around
Related to clear walkways are clear views. Keep tall furniture like bookshelves away from doorways, and pull back the shower curtain to expose the entire bathroom. Don't block any part of windows, sliding glass doors, or French doors.
Related to clear walkways are clear views. Keep tall furniture like bookshelves away from doorways, and pull back the shower curtain to expose the entire bathroom. Don't block any part of windows, sliding glass doors, or French doors.
Pick the right paint
If you plan to repaint some rooms, choose colors that feel cool, such as light blue or light green.
If you plan to repaint some rooms, choose colors that feel cool, such as light blue or light green.
Add light
Not only will light colors create a sense of openness, actual light helps, too. Open curtains or blinds to let in sunlight, and consider adding a lamp to dark corners.
Not only will light colors create a sense of openness, actual light helps, too. Open curtains or blinds to let in sunlight, and consider adding a lamp to dark corners.
When you're done with these changes, ask for objective feedback from your Texas REALTOR®. He or she will know what buyers will focus on when they enter your house and which rooms might need more work.
