One of A Kind

November 19, 2012

Even in a down economy, a home that’s unique will always maintain, or even increase, in its estimated value. In any type of market, a one-of-a-kind property will always be something that catches the attention of a buyer, creates a memorable impression, and can sway even the most cautious buyer into making an offer, lest someone else get “their” house. The keys to remember when marketing a unique property are location and staging. What does your home have that everyone else will want? Location is always a consideration, in any home sale—but if you’ve got an extraordinary piece of property, it goes without saying that even a modest home becomes a remarkable home, if the view from its windows is irresistible.

For homes where the location isn’t one of a kind, the focus then turns inward—which is where the homeowner can gradually make improvements and conversions that turn the ordinary into something truly extraordinary. The details of a home can be something to showcase—does your home have a unique history, or antique flourishes that set it apart? If so, showcase those things and play them up when buyers take a tour. Is there anything you can add to any of the rooms, perhaps something the buyer may not know that they want until they see it? Hide-away storage, built-in bookshelves, a tucked-away reading nook or a drop-down closet are all one-of-a-kind home elements that make your house stand out and are easy, cost-efficient ways to increase your home’s value without breaking the bank.

Is your kitchen modernized? If not, consider installing a new appliance that gives the buyer something out of the ordinary, like a triple-door refrigerator, an eco-friendly dishwasher, a built-in kitchen island or prep sink, or a unique kitchen accent, like copper kitchen backsplash. How about the bathroom? Does it speak of luxurious peace? If not, consider a quick re-design, such as adding glass blocks, painting a mural, or stone countertops; a pedestal sink or new bathtub might also be a larger installation that pays off at the closing table. However you choose to update your home, make sure that there’s something to show the buyer that’s unique and memorable, something that makes your home stand out, a selling point that will make them think, “I’ve got to make an offer on this house, before someone else swoops in and gets it!”