Dear Creative Concepts,
We’re preparing the “family home” for sale and the job is overwhelming. This is my mother’s home and filled with many memories and rooms of stuff to deal with. The home is in desperate need of updating and we don’t know how much to do – if any. We hate to sell it “as is”, but also don’t want to invest a lot of money to get it sold. We’re open to your recommendations.
Sincerely,
Estate Sale Blues
Dear Estate Sale Blues,
We’ve worked with many people this year in your exact situation – many relocating senior parents, or dealing with the estate after parents have passed away. The task of going through all the personal items left behind and preparing the estate for sale can be daunting and difficult emotionally. We know many experts that can help. House cleaners, yard experts, estate and auction specialists, and reliable contractors – all who provide top notch services and affordable rates.
When we’re hired in this situation we can coordinate all the services needed to prepare the estate for sale, or simply provide a do-it-yourself check list and refer reliable resources. Once the home is empty and clean we carefully analyze what repairs and updating should be done. Often a few changes can yield huge results. We will work within your budget and needs to create a customized plan.
Here’s a kitchen of a recent estate. 
With the home emptied, but the kitchen still screamed for a full remodel — not an option for this budget.
The question we ask in this situation is “What is the minimum that can be done to help buyer see the potential of this home?
What would improve the first impression?”
Painting the right colors gave this kitchen an affordable transformation! By painting the cabinets and installing new knobs the cabinets now looks fresh and less dated. The blue trim was painted white, adding a nice contrast to the new wall color. Topping it off was some decor and furniture, showing off this space well. No it isn’t a perfect kitchen, but is one that will attract interest — and is far above the competition for homes at this price point.
The results? This Keizer Oregon home had an offer quickly. The deal fell apart before closing but another offer was received and will close this week!
If you are preparing a home for sale and the job seems overwhelming, often some direction or professional assistance can help you save money and time.
The senior citizens owning this home were amazed at the transformation Creative Concepts performed. Not only is the look more up to date, the quality of work was exceptional and the cost much less than they had anticipated. Potential buyers would have been overwhelmed by the work needed on this home, even though it was all minor cosmetic repairs. Now it is move in ready!
Overwhelmed? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home’s full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time. We’ve love to help you determine how to best to prepare your home for sale in this competitive market.
Margaret Oscilia is a Professional Home Stager with Creative Concepts – Home Staging and Contracting serving Salem Oregon and surrounding areas who specializes in helping home sellers stage to sell or re-design to live well. Licensed, bonded and insured contractors – CCB#180695.
