Don’t Forget the Second Most Important Room When Selling Your Home

Soyou’ve just replaced the cracked molding in the living room, repairedthe leaky kitchen faucet, retiled the utility room, and even managed toget the front yard (a former disaster area) in tip-top shape. Great, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.

Butwait, there’s one room you may not have given enough attention to -- asyou prep your home to sell -- despite the fact that many real estateexperts stress it is the most important room in the home -- after thekitchen -- to showcase.

Sorry, but no, it’s not your prized trophy room – it’s actually the bathroom. And, fortunately, except for that rare case where there’s really noalternative but to replace or repair virtually everything in the room,the task of making the bathroom facilitate a quick home sale shouldn’tbe a financial burden at all.

Experts agree that a homefeaturing modern, immaculate, luxurious-looking (at least inappearance), functional, well-maintained bathrooms can shorten theamount of time the home spends on the market. Many also notethat, although a home may contain more than two bathrooms, most of the focus should be directed toward just the master bathroom and the guest bathroom.

Thinkabout it – the guest bathroom will most likely be visited by many ofyour potential buyer guests. According to real estate insiders,the time a home shopper spends in this room is also time spent inevaluating the home as a whole. So, it stands to reason that ifthey are surrounded by spotless walls, shiny fixtures, andwell-functioning faucets and toilet, it will leave a lasting, positiveimpression on them. And, of course, the prominenceconnected with the master bathroom – as a kind of companion piece tothe master bedroom -- can’t be denied.

So given thesignificance that should be placed on upgrading/enhancing yourbathroom(s), keep in mind the following useful suggestions:

Createspace – An illusion of spaciousness can be achieved by effectivelypositioning mirrors (think about those stretching from sink counter topto ceiling), and bright lighting – especially over the sink area. Also, if it’s within your budget, a new floor made up of large tileswith a shiny surface (for reflecting light) will augment the illusionof extra space.
If putting down a new tile floor isn’t inthe cards, make sure the floor is spotless and shiny, and, if you findit’s not possible to make the grout spotless white, regrouting shouldbe the alternative.
Pay particular attention to the sink,bathtub, shower, and toilet. If it appears that it will beimpossible to completely remove all stains/discoloration from theseitems or if cracks are visible, including the shower floor, they willreally need to be replaced. Oftentimes, for example, when examining thecondition of your toilet, you may notice that only the toilet seat willbe cracked. In that case the simple, inexpensive job of replacingthe seat would be in order. However, even if the toilet itselfwill need replacing, most people can actually do it themselves, despitedaunting first thoughts about the procedure. And as far as thebathtub is concerned, if replacing it is the only practical solution(due to cracks or discoloration, or just plain old age), try installinga modern whirlpool-style tub – it will add a nice touch of class to theentire room. As for the sink, if it looks like it has seen betterdays, is beyond restoring, and your budget allows for it, installingdual sinks – especially in the master bathroom – adds style, eleganceand, practicality, and draws buyers like a magnet. In fact, manyhome shoppers expect this feature to be present.
Walls – Ifwallpaper covers them, it would behoove you to tear it off and apply afresh coat of paint. This is another inexpensive and easy way topresent the room in a bright, new-looking aura. Concentrate onlight, neutral colors, though.
Shower curtains – If at allpossible, they should be replaced with a sliding shower door – it’s notonly more elegant-looking but more functional, as well. At thevery least, replace old shower curtains with new ones.
Accentthe room with large, fluffy towels folded and elegantly displayed,scented soaps and/or candles, and a few strategically-placed greenplants.
Faucets and other plumbing fixtures (includingpipes underneath the sink) should be modern-looking, gleaming, andtrouble-free in their functionality.
Taking out the old-fashioned medicine chest altogether (if present) is strongly suggested.
Keep hidden any personal articles such as shower caps, kids’ toys, shampoos, hair brushes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.
Aboveall, make sure all surfaces (including windows and mirrors) aresqueaky-clean, with no hint of toothpaste, soap scum or other residuesvisible. When the cleaning is done, the room should smell fresh,and appear light and airy. Avoid sprays which leave behind anoverly-perfumed aroma.

It may seem like a largetask on the surface, but the time spent converting your bathrooms intorooms which bespeak sophistication, as well as functionality, will bewell worth it, and you should easily be able to recoup the money you’vespent in remodeling and repairs.