Small Upgrades Can Yield Big Results

In terms of dollars and cents, it doesn't always make sense to pump a lot of money into upgrading your home before you put it on the market.

Sellers rarely get 100 per cent remodelling payback on renovations.

However, there are several relatively small things you can do to spruce up your home that will make it show better.

Opt for simple, clean improvements that will work with what you have and avoid clashing colour and style.

One of the biggest selling points in Bahamas real estate is the kitchen.

Unless your kitchen's in terrible shape, small changes, such as painting kitchen cabinets and changing the handles, will provide an instant face lift.

If you need new countertops and you're living in a granite or marble neighbourhood, use the same material.

There are some very nice granite slabs at the local stores here in the Bahamas that are priced reasonably and are gorgeous once they've been polished and buffed. Stick to neutral colours.

The front and back door have lots of appeal because they're the first and last thing a buyer will see of your home.

A fresh coat of paint, new handles and a potted plant on your front doorstep will set the stage for the showing.

Likewise, a flowerbed at the back door of a landscaped yard will leave the buyer with a good impression.

While you're in the paint department, check out the paint samples to refresh the colours in your home.

Cruddy bathroom faucets, and rusty fan blades and light fixtures are big turn offs. You may be able to sand and paint the blades and light fixtures, but if the faucets are too far gone for cleaning, replace them.

* Your leading Bahamas real estate source.

(Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty)