Improving, rather than moving
The housing market today is made up of two types of sellers: those who must sell and those who would like to sell. In many cases, those who must sell are having difficulty dealing with the devaluation of their home. Taking on costly improvement projects may not gain any additional value to their property.
If, however, you’re not in a hurry to make a move, perhaps investing in a few home improvements may not only provide added value down the road, but also lift your aesthetic spirits while you wait out the housing “storm.”
There are several issues to keep in mind when planning home improvements. Certainly high on many homeowners’ lists is cost. Big-ticket improvements may be desired, but not fiscally prudent at this time. With the uncertainty of the economy, you may wish to implement a few upgrades that are more in line with “sprucing up” your home.
An inexpensive way to give the inside of your home a face-lift is simply by painting. A few years back, I got caught up in the decorating frenzy of sponge painting. My husband went along, painting the walls in our bedroom a neutral ivory as an undercoat. I sponged two other colors over that: sea foam green and coral. Last spring, we’d both had enough of what was beginning to look like the backdrop of Disney’s Little Mermaid movie, and decided to make a change.
For less than $75, we were able to change the entire look and feel of our room. The paint store was able to mix and match a deep red from a throw pillow I had purchased, which was used on one wall behind our bed. The remaining walls were painted Bar Harbor Beige. To the walls I added a few new framed pieces, some of which I got on clearance. Coupled with a new duvet, and voila! - in our mind’s eye, a new room. A change of wall color is an easy and cost-effective way to redefine any room in your home.
Simple replacements can perk up a room as well: 
- Changing the hardware on kitchen cupboards can give them a more up-to-date appearance.
- Although a bit more expensive, replacing countertops will also give your kitchen or bathroom a rejuvenated look.
- Living rooms or family rooms can be revitalized with such purchases as new lamps, inexpensive window treatments and furniture slipcovers.
- Consider rearranging the furniture more often. This too can give you a sense of “newness” and only cost you a little time and elbow grease.
Each of these has the potential to create not only a fresher look, but a brand new ambience. These small steps may be the key to enhancing your home while you take a “wait and see” approach to your local real estate situation. And when all is said and done, sit back and drink in your new surroundings. You may find you’ve already made a “move” right within your own home.
Posted by Sharon Walker
Tags: cheap home updates, home improvements, inexpensive home improvements