How to Sell Your Ranch-Style Home

As Americans move from the suburbs back to the city, there is no doubt that they are probably going to sacrifice square-footage in order to have a shorter commute. But if ranch-style homes are short on space, they are high on style.

Carla Umlauf of Avenue One Properties Inc. in Austin, Texas, advises sellers to take advantage of 1950’s style by highlighting the original features of the home.

“Houses built in the ‘California Modern’ style often have walls of windows, open floorplans and exposed beams,” Umlauf describes. “Clutter can really kill the sale,” she explains. Keep it light and bright with white walls and minimal furnishings.

More traditional ranch or cottage-style homes may have lower ceilings and fewer windows. “These houses are all about cottage charm,” says Umlauf . “You don’t need to knock down walls. Bright colors can work for you. Show off how cozy it is!”

Of course, the home won’t sell if buyers take one look from the car and drive on by. “There are so many homes on the market now,” says Umlauf . “If they don’t have curb appeal, we’re heading on to the next one.”

The home might need new paint or siding, but this can get expensive quickly. She suggests taking a photo from street level and uploading it to the Amazing! Door-o-Vision widget on the Crestview Doors website. “Try on a few different models and you will see right away the difference a new door can make.”

A front door in poor condition that needs replacing can be an instant turn-off to prospective buyers. “You can replace it with a flush door from your local lumber supply for under $100,” Umlauf says. “Or offer a $1500 door allowance for parts and installation and let the new owner pick the Doorlite Kit of their choice!”

Call Carla Umlauf at (512) 567-1478
or email her at carla at aveone dot com

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