Replace those brass-toned light fixtures!

Home sellers need to take a close look at the light fixtures in their homes when they are preparing to go on the market. Those brass-tone or gold-tone fixtures that the builder put in the hallways, bathrooms and walk-in closets were probably the cheapest things he could find. Home lighting is very important and can’t be overlooked.

Those builder-special light fixtures have to go!

Luckily most replacement light fixtures that you will want to use in your hallways aren’t that expensive at Home Depot or Lowes, but they can really change the look and feel of your house in minutes. Okay, if you don’t know what I am talking about then take a look… is that what you have? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Today’s home buyers (at least in Vienna real estate circles) react positively to light fixtures that are dark bronze, silver, or are a neutral accent piece like a pendant light hanging over a kitchen island. If you see a florescent light over your kitchen island then get moving today so you can transform that area. You may not see it now but it will add some real selling “punch”. I have always believed that my role in assisting clients is to merchandise their home for a quick sale at the best price possible. I see home buyer reactions every day, and bring that experience into your home to get your home sold.

Remember, Realtors are merchandisers too!

One recent client in Vienna had a front entry foyer light fixture that was too big and hung too low. Her 1960’s colonial had a hanging lamp from a ceiling that was maybe eight feet tall (I suspect the ceilings were less) and that fixture would hit anyone over 6’1” in the head! When I recommended a replacement fixture she was actually thrilled at the suggestion, and it made a dramatic improvement to the space when it was installed.

Walk-in closets can be totally transformed with new lighting because most builders installed basic flush mounted fixtures like in your hallways. Depending on the size, look into a contemporary track lighting system to throw extra light into the furthest corners of your closet. When I mentioned it to a client last spring he was skeptical, but he was truly amazed how a $40 fixture (like this one) made his closet look bigger. Walk-in closets can be a “wow-moment” for most home buyers so this has an immediate impact. Recent studies show that today’s home buyers will put a premium on closet space so this is one space that requires your attention.

Consider upgrading the light fixture in your kitchen pantry

Home buyers will also be looking closely at your kitchen, so carefully look at the light fixtures here too. If you are lucky enough to have a kitchen pantry with a light fixture, then it may be time to upgrade. If there are under-cabinet lights then make sure all bulbs are working (a must). Some older florescent lights “hum” when they are turned on, and this will be a perfect opportunity to add some real impact to your kitchen with new light fixtures.

Sometimes fixtures can have a different size base so a little touch-up paint may be needed. Although many people do the electrical and replacement themselves, I usually suggest they call my licensed remodeling-guy Jason Mills of Envision Custom Builders to get the job done quickly. Make sure the lights are replaced before the “for sale” sign hits the yard.

If you are in the planning stages of getting your home ready to sell, send me an e-mail or call me @ 703-304-6827 to set up an appointment. I will also put together a preliminary market report on recent sales activity in your neighborhood for you to keep and review.