DEAR MI-LING: Our 13-year-old home is about 4,000 square feet. We want to sell in a year and are wondering if we should change all the polished brass door knobs, light fixtures, cabinet pulls, shower trim, and faucets.
It would be a big expense and hassle but might bring our house closer to the $125-square-foot that other houses in the neighborhood are listed for. Should we just list for less per square foot and hope someone loves the gold?
MarilynnDEAR MARILYNN: You should definitely investigate the homes in your neighborhood and find out if they have antique brass or pewter knobs. However, high polished brass is still being sold and black-and-brass is coming back strong this spring, especially in clothing through the military theme, kind of Michael Jackson-like.
The real issue here is what is the style of your home? If your home is decorated in a more traditional French style, your brass fixtures will be right on target. If everything else in your home feels and looks good, the brass hardware won't be a huge issue for most home buyers and I would not reduce the price.
If you're bound and determined to update everything, change out the knobs on your kitchen cabinets first. The kitchen is the room that prospective home buyers will scrutinize the most. You can find stylish knobs at home improvement centers for around $1 dollar and up.
Next, I would shop for ceiling fans and other major light fixtures. Lighting will give you the most bang for your buck.
The light in your entry should be updated. You might be able to just change out the light on your ceiling fan and save yourself some money.
I would change out the hardware on your front door and make sure you put on a fresh coat of paint. Don't forget to update the hinges as well.
Now go out and create your own unique comfort zone!
Mi-Ling Stone Poole is the author of "Ask Mi-Ling! When You Want the Truth About Decorating.” Her decorating tips have been featured on KWTV 9, HGTV locally and on various radio stations in the metro area. If you have a decorating dilemma, contact Mi-Ling at www.Mi-Ling.com or write to her at Ask Mi-Ling, P.O. Box 1606, Edmond, OK, 73083.
