Dear David,

Our home is just over 20 years old and is looking its age. When we built it, brass fixtures and door handles were in fashion, as was wooden trim around the doors and baseboards. The terracotta-coloured walls feel dated, and there are bright white cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms. We want to downsize next year, how can we make this home appealing to today’s buyers without taking on a full-scale renovation? – OUTDATED

DEAR OUTDATED: It sounds like your home needs more of a makeover than a renovation. Fortunately, most of the things you describe are affordable and straightforward updates with lots of impact. Your contractor should be able to tackle these jobs in a fairly short period of time, and with a year to go before your anticipated move, your timing is just about perfect.

In terms of “bang for your buck”, a fresh coat of paint throughout your home is the best money you can spend. Martha Stewart would have loved your Tuscan-inspired palette back in the day, but a modern-neutral greige will update your space for today’s buyers and give it wide appeal. Paint out the wooden trim and baseboards with white paint designed specifically for these areas. That extra bit of attention will add crisp definition to your walls, and make rooms feel clean and fresh.

Changing out brass door knobs and fixtures can have a huge impact, especially if you’re switching to a modern brushed chrome. To achieve an elegant and unified look throughout your home, take inventory of what’s needed in each room and choose a hardware manufacturer that stocks the necessary pieces within the same design line. Don’t cheap out with bargain-basement brands that force you to piecemeal your way through the house. A coordinated selection of knobs, cupboard handles and drawer pulls can deliver a look that is high-end and intentional, rather than hap-hazard and economical. Match your new hardware with high-efficiency LED lighting fixtures to modernize the look of your home quickly.

Fortunately, you are blessed with white cabinets and vanities, which tend to be timeless. Consider updating these with complimentary hardware to match the rest of the house. For maximum impact, you might consider a slightly larger kitchen and bathroom investment in the form of mid-level quartz countertops, which can add a ton of “wow factor” without breaking the bank.

Lastly, be sure not to forget the front entrance. Exterior lighting, a new lock set and a freshly painted front door will make a great first impression with guests and potential buyers.

PRO TIP: Ask your Realtor to recommend a local designer who can help you pull all these elements together. A home makeover is easier when tackled with the help of an expert, and done right, cosmetic improvements can quickly add tens of thousands of dollars to the selling price of your home. #Advice #AskDavid #TheNegotiator

David is a top-selling Broker in Kitchener-Waterloo Region. He works personally with you when selling or buying your home. Call or text today for your free home evaluation! 519-577-1212.