Should You Upgrade Your Fixtures When Selling Your Home?

Nothing can brighten up a home and give it a more modern feel than
new, updated fixtures. It is a relatively easy and affordable task
that can make a real difference in the buyer’s eyes. But is it really a
necessary upgrade? We have received multiple questions and posts concerning
this topic. We have also received some great responses from our members. Let’s
take a look!

JThom brings up a great question in a recent post, “If I
change the faucets, where do I stop?” She wasn't sure if it would be necessary to change the shower and bathtub
faucets if she changed out the one at the sink. Sandra Holmes responded saying,
“that it would be best to change out the faucets in the whole room. It is a
silly thought to have updated sink faucets then just a few feet away have old
and outdated shower and bathtub faucets. The investment is minimal compared to
the potential return that you can get on the home. If you think that your
fixtures are outdated, so will the buyers!”

In another discussion, Cathy Brosius posted an explanation
of about the importance of not letting outdated fixtures affect the sale of your home. “You don't have to spend a fortune on these fixtures, just make sure that
they are modern and up-to-date looking.” She suggests that homeowners stay away
from brass and lean more towards the stainless steel and chrome looks because
brass fixtures seems very 1980’s. 
A simple change like that can totally change the look and feel of a room
for a minimal investment.

Accent Positives wrote an excellent post that explains the ins and outs of home lighting using fixtures.  In it she explains how the exterior lights should welcome
visitors and give them a sense of safety and security when buyers first walk up
to the home. As for the inside of a home, dark rooms and dimly lit corners can
turn a buyer off. Accent Positives suggests using “layered lighting,” which is
simple using different fixtures and brightness levels throughout a room. Using
just the light from an overhead fan simply doesn’t do a room justice. Garages,
kitchens, baths, and laundry rooms should be the brightest rooms in the house.
When a room like a garage or bathroom is dimly lit, it looks scary and unclean,
even if it isn’t. Use 2 or 3 lamps in a large room like a living room or master
bedroom to provide optimal lighting. Michelle Drewry commented on the same post
saying, “Amen to good lighting! It makes or breaks how a potential buyer feels
about the room.” She couldn't be more on target! Jenny Kipp states in a 90
second interview that “basic or outdated lighting can stick out like a sore thumb. Make sure to
replace those old outdated lighting fixtures and make your whole home look more
modern!"

Some homeowners think that because they’re selling their home, they don’t
need to put any money into it. Replacing fixtures is just one more way to spend
a relatively small amount and get a big return in the home’s appearance.  Remember, if you think your faucets and
light fixtures look outdated, so will potential buyers.