If you are looking at major remedies to your vacation home before putting it up for lease, preparing your vacation home for the real estate market won't be as costly as you think. If you view the neighbors' homes and think you need to take out a loan to get your vacation home in condition for the real estate market, think again. There are some great low cost ways to spruce things up and get your home a lot more attention in a real estate market that may be saturated with competition.
Get rid of all clutter with easy storage or shelving. If you're not using it, then you're storing it likely in plain view. Store it someplace else or at least disguise it in a ornamental container or tidy shelf.
Put a polish on items with a fresh coat of paint or varnish. If you have hardwood floors and can't afford to refinish them, give them a good wash with some wood soap or shine them up with finishing oil.
Steam clean carpets and upholstery that look dirty or spotted. If you have got a spot that won't come up, try cleaning it better. For tough cases in outdated and forever damaged furniture, try slip covers or throws. Furniture these days is more affordable with stores like Big Lots, K-Mart and Wal-Mart carrying attractive pieces to update and freshen up your home.
Add color to your lawn with flowers and accessories or little ornamentations to emphasize your door, porch or sidewalk. You'd be surprised what a difference a colorful arrangement makes or how cute a bird bath or small statue will look on your front lawn. If you are not interested in adding to your garden or lawn, make sure the grass gets a close shave and keep your edges tidy.
After making a list of things that require to be fixed, tackle the small jobs yourself even if you don't know anything about them. Instead hire someone to do it for you, see if you can take a free lesson at your local hardware store or rent a how to video at the library and there are scores of books on how to tackle home projects yourself. If you require more help that a simple book, ask a friend who is more building savvy to look over your shoulder when you begin the project.
Mark is a freelance writer for
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