You have been watching the market and have decided it is time for you to put your home on the market. You have repaired and replaced everything that has needed fixing and you have decluttered, depersonalized, and deep cleaned your home. Finally, you are ready to put your home on the market. But, wait! Have you thought about the current lighting in your home? Does lighting really even matter?
When it comes to getting your home ready for a top-dollar sale, one often overlooked detail that can completely wreck all of your hard work is the lighting! Bright light is key to your home showing well. The lighting can affect the ambiance, energy, and vibe in each room. Darkness can cause your home to feel small, uninviting, and dirty, even if it is not. In fact, a dark home may cause a buyer to wonder what may be lurking in the shadows. After cleaning, decluttering, and all of the other tasks you have worked hard on to get your home ready to hit the market, you may feel overwhelmed by the thought of sifting through various styles, bulbs, and placement options. However, Michele Harmon Team has a few tips to help you get started!
1. Have Two Types of Lighting in Each Room
There are three different types of lighting. Ambient lighting (or general lighting) fills the room. Accent lighting is used to highlight something, such as art or a fireplace mantle. Task lighting is used to help you complete various tasks, such as desk lamps and vanity lights. It is recommended you have at least two types of light in each room.
When you start tackling this task, start with selecting task and accent lighting in each room. Many times, the combination of these two provide enough light in a room so overhead lighting may not be needed. Be sure to factor natural lighting into your light design by mapping out where the sun falls and how it moves across the room. Then, place lighting in darker areas.
2. Update or Upgrade Your Light Fixtures and Bulbs
Dated fixtures are not necessarily a deal-breaker, but when comparing homes, it probably won’t show up in a buyer’s “pro” column. Replace or refurbish what you are willing to and then, install the brightest bulbs you safely can.
Light bulb selection is equally important as fixture selection. Incandescent or Halogen bulbs can add a warm and sunny feel to a room. Fluorescent bulbs can provide warm white, cool white, or daylight color temperatures and radiate light 360 degrees around the bulb. LED bulbs can range from blue-white to neutral white to yellow-white and they are the most energy efficient option. Regardless of which type of light bulb you choose, make sure they are consistent in each room. As you replace fixtures and bulbs, make sure that there are no missing bulbs in any of the light fixtures.
It may be best to choose LED lights when showing your home because they create great lumens all while using less energy and generating less heat.
3. Address “Non-Lighting” Light Problems
Oftenly, lighting problems are actually decor problems. Dark furnishings, wall colors, flooring, and even ceiling colors can make a room seem dark no matter how much light you pour into them. Consider these low-commitment options to help light up a room:
- Light colored bedding, throws, slip covers, drapes, area rugs, or other room-appropriate accessories to help brighten the space.
- Try adding a mirror to a room with inadequate windows. Mirrors can reflect available light and help make a room feel larger and more open.
- Add light sources that can wash across dark walls. A diffused light can add to the ambient illumination and give the eye a little help when assessing the room’s true dimensions.
4. Do Not Be Afraid to Call in Reinforcements
If the existing lights are still not getting the job done, do not be afraid to call for some reinforcements. Bedside lamps, desk lamps, and under-cabinet lighting can all add to your overall light profile while also highlighting attractive details, like your backsplash or countertops.
Bathroom: Vanity lighting should be bright and consistent with no drastic shadows or glares.
Living Room: For the living room, den, or game room, table lamps can offer visual interest as well as needed light. If you do not have any surfaces for a lamp, consider torchieres or other floor lamps.
Accent and Tread Lighting: Accent lighting can draw attention to a room’s focal points, such as the mantle or built-in shelving. If you own a two-story home, tread lighting can help brighten your staircase and provide added safety benefits!
Tall Ceilings: If you believe your tall ceilings are shrouded in shadows, your lighting may be placed too low. A ceiling fixture, track lighting, or pendants can be helpful, depending upon your space.
5. Don’t Forget Exterior Lighting!
Remember, curb appeal is just as important at night as it is during the day! Potential buyers may drive by at multiple different times throughout the day to check out your home and the neighborhood. A well-lit exterior is inviting for buyers and it discourages potential burglars. Your buyers may not be consciously aware of it, but they will most likely feel safer in your neighborhood if they see a significant amount of light.
With the right lighting, you can transform any room in your home and it can help you create the desired atmosphere needed to sell your home. If you are thinking of selling your home, remember, Michele Harmon Team will provide you with a professional stager if needed at no cost to you. Your home can stand out above the crowd with Michele Harmon Team’s extraordinary attention to detail. If you are looking to sell with a top producing agent who cares, call Michele Harmon Team today at 713-818-1330. Your home is our business and it would be our pleasure to work with you!