Simple Repairs to Improve Your Home Before Putting it on the Market
LOUISIANA REALTORS • August 30, 2017
When it comes to getting in shape there are several methods that are tried and true. Watching what you eat, running, and lifting weights will all change how you look and feel. The same is true for getting your house in shape. Now if you are heading out on vacation, to a class reunion, or getting ready for a 5K, you may implement some or all of these practices for yourself; and if you are considering selling your home, there are some simple and effective ways to get it ready as well.
Selling your home
quickly and for your asking price doesn’t happen without a little bit of work before that sign goes in the yard. Ensuring you make the best first impression possible is essential, and with these tips you can have any prospective buyer know that they are looking at a well maintained home.
Paint
A fresh coat of paint can be a cost effective way to add instant curb appeal. Choose neutral colors like white or beige to appeal to potential buyers and provide a clean and updated look.
De-Clutter
By cleaning out and clearing up each room in your house, you’ll be able to make it look more spacious. Finding things you don’t use anymore or that may be in disrepair is a great way to open up every room. It also gives you a jump start on your future move.
Address the Kitchen
The kitchen is widely considered the most important part of the home. It is a place where many families spend the most of their time. There are several ways to update and upgrade this essential room, allowing buyers to imagine themselves in it. Do the cabinet doors and drawers work properly? Are the hardware fixtures dated? These are all easy updates and repairs that can make a world of difference.
Landscape
Just like a fresh coat of paint brightens up your house, spending a little time in the yard can really improve your curb appeal. Fresh sod, a mowed lawn, and colorful flowers can all add up to a great first impression. Trimming trees and bushes and adding some potted plants are great ways to welcome prospective buyers.
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Putting your home on the market is a big decision. Using the guidance of a REALTOR®
and preparing your house before it goes up for sale can make for a much smoother process.
Please join us in congratulating the Louisiana REALTORS® who have been appointed to NAR committees for 2027. A total of 26 Louisiana REALTORS® members and staff have been selected to serve on NAR committees for the upcoming year. Bill Boyd - Insurance Committee; Member: Regional Representative Luke Bullock - Broker Engagement Committee; Member: Government Affairs Director Donna Chandler - Membership Policy and Board Jurisdiction Committee; Member: At-Large Keary Coffin - Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee; Member: At-Large Tony Cornner - Housing Opportunities Committee; Member: State Representative Beth Cristina - Commercial Federal Policy Committee; Member: At-Large Deneka Desroches - Commitment to Excellence Committee; Member: At-Large Cindy Dyer - RPAC Participation Council; Member: State Representative David Favret - Meeting and Conference Committee; Member: Immediate Past Chair Jennifer Hebert - Professional Standards Committee; Member: At-Large Carole Horn - RPAC Trustees Federal Disbursement Committee; Member: Regional Representative Misty Ingersoll - Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee; Member: State Representative Angela Lavalais - AEC/Association IDEAS Advisory Board (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Support); Member: At-Large Trish Leleux - FPC Advisory Committee; Member: State Representative Marbury Little - Public Policy Coordinating Committee; Member: At-Large ; Consumer Advocacy Outreach Advisory Board; Member: Committee Representative Ginger Maulden - RPAC Major Investor Council; Member: State Representative Andrea McKey - Strategic Planning Committee; Member: At-Large David McKey - Insurance Committee; Member: At-Large Joe Mier - Real Property Valuation Committee; Member: At-Large Norman Morris - Meeting and Conference Committee; AEC Representative Danette O'Neal - Land Use Property Rights and Environment Committee; Member: Affiliate Representative Austin Polk - Business Issues Policy Committee; Member: At-Large Rhonda Reap-Curiel - Data Strategies Committee; Vice Chair Matt Ritchie - Finance Committee; Member: At-Large Erika Sluss - Membership Policy and Board Jurisdiction Committee; Member: State Representative Evelyn Wolford - Professional Standards Committee; Member: State Representative
From the Louisiana Department of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple joined Governor Jeff Landry and Senate Insurance Committee Chairman Kirk Talbot today to announce that Louisiana is investing an additional $20 million in Fortified homes, bringing the total amount invested in state Fortified projects this year to $100 million. Governor Landry announced that $20 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be transferred to the Louisiana Office of Community Development Restore Resilient Opportunities for Overhead Fortification (Restore ROOF) program to strengthen residential structures and reduce long-term disaster risk. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a bill that allows $50 million in additional Katrina and Rita bond money from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to be added to the Department of Insurance’s Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP). Also beginning this year, LFHP is projected to receive approximately $30 million annually from taxes and fees the Louisiana Department of Insurance collects from the insurance industry. “Building stronger homes is a vital part of making homeowners insurance affordable in Louisiana,” said Commissioner Temple. “I appreciate Governor Landry’s leadership and support as we work with legislators like Chairman Talbot to make Louisiana a national leader in the adoption of Fortified roofs.” The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) has finalized its promulgation of Regulation 136—Fortify Homes Premium Discounts. The purpose of Regulation 136 is to implement the statutory provisions set forth in La. R.S. 22:1483, et seq. , which require that all Louisiana property and casualty insurers provide premium discounts or insurance rate reductions for homes constructed or upgraded in accordance with the fortified standards created by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. View Regulation 136 here .
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