Best Of

Another idea - go tour some open houses and get some finishing / paint color / detail ideas, too! Or browse kitchen/bathroom showrooms.

@WagsFTW said:

@BlueTattoo said:
For a good showing, make sure that the house is clean and uncluttered. Get rid of what you don't want to move now, rather than later, and hide the rest in temporary storage. Neutral color for the walls. New carpet unless they're in really good shape. New counter tops might pay for themselves, but I don't think I'd spend the money on that unless yours are damaged. The house is not old.

@Mt_Goat Yeah, counters... my parents saved a lot of money refacing laminate counters with a more modern laminate that almost looked like granite instead of spending the money on granite that might not be the style a new buyer wants! But a light/white backsplash would also look amazing and will help brighten up the kitchen. I also don't think you need new cupboards.

For the bathrooms, don't do bowl-type sinks or anything extravagant. Do an all-in-one vanity with sink/counter, or the counter/sink combination - those can look really nice and you can get ones that look similar to granite as well. Or just do a simple sink. I personally would hate a bowl-on-top sink.

Just my two-cents

Outstanding info! Thank you very much. This is exactly the kind of info I am seeking!!!

@Mt_Goat you have a beautiful home!!

It looks like you already have some brushed nickel light fixtures, etc. - just continue with that. It doesn't show fingerprints/waterspots.

I don't know what's popular in Texas, but I'd prefer wood flooring in a house with simple/neutral area rugs. But I live in a cooler climate, and only like tile in kitchen/bathrooms - it's too cold for living areas.

Leave the bathroom white/light. Also, it looks like you're going to paint some darker colors - would not recommend. Go light/neutral. You have beautiful tall ceilings and lots of windows. Lighter paint colors (think cream/light/gray, etc.) will reflect the light and make the space look even bigger. And do light drapery (and make sure drapes/blinds are open during pictures/showings).

And I'm sure they've told you, but declutter big time for staging. Remove everything from above and on cabinets (maybe leave 1-3 simple vases, a bowl, or plant up there). Remove all personal family photos.

Some realtors will talk you into switching everything. Be cautious to not spend too much money updating if you're not going to get it back. Fixtures/paint will go a long way, but if the carpet is clean/good condition, you may want to leave it. Some people will also have their own tastes and want to switch some things. Just decluttering/simplifying and lighter/neutral paint colors will go a long away. Oh, and you may want to remove all signs of having pets when it comes to photos/showings. I hope that helps. Good luck!