Putting your best view forward

When showing your home for sale, it’s not just what buyers see inside that counts.  Your Realtor® will tell you that sometimes it’s all about the view.  A good view is a strong selling point for any room in the house.  A great view makes one property stand out from all the rest.  And on the flip side, when the view is poor, even the most attractive décor may not be enough to counteract its negative effects.  What’s a homeowner to do? 

Here are some easy and affordable tips that may help to improve your outlook:

·         If the entire view out a window is undesirable, try frosting the glass with a translucent window film available in most wallpaper or decorating stores.  Simply cut it to size, spray soapy water on the glass so you can slide the film around to position it, and then smooth out any air bubbles.  That’s all there is to it!  And you can remove the film in seconds if you want. 

·         If there’s a problem in just part of the view, then shutters or blinds offer a great solution.  Roman blinds are modern and attractive and you can install them so they will either cover the top or bottom part of the window.  Just choose the configuration needed to obscure only the part of the window with the unwelcome view, and enjoy the rest! 

·         If you’re adding blinds for privacy, consider using a material that will still allow light to enter and give a greater impression of openness.

·         Are your neighbours peering into your house?  You can tint your windows or use one-way glass to avoid keeping the drapes drawn all day.  Talk to your local glass supplier to see how to protect your privacy, yet let sunshine in.

·         Is your view obscured by greenery?  You can let in the light with some creative landscaping, pruning or even re-locating bushes and shrubbery. 

·         A simple and affordable way to make the most of a good view is to enhance the effect by positioning a mirror on an opposing wall.  This has the added benefit of multiplying the natural light coming into the room.

·         If you want to introduce some additional light into your room, but the view is not desirable, you might consider small feature windows or transoms placed high up in the wall. These can flood the room with light and you’ll find yourself looking at sky instead of staring into your neighbour’s kitchen.

·         Etched or frosted glass panels in frames can also be hung in front of your clear window panes to draw the eye and break up an undesirable view.

There are many simple and inexpensive solutions to your decorating problems.  Ask your  Realtor® for their expert advice on how to showcase your home to its best advantage.  You’ll be glad you called us first!