Tips to Homeowners
Question: I have inherited an older home that has been closed for several years which I am selling as a fixer-upper. I am having difficulty in finding a buyer. I would appreciate some suggestions.
Answer: You obviously do not want to spend a great deal of money to up-grade the home yet, at the same time, it is important to make it appealing to a potential buyer.
My first suggestion to you would be to check out the exterior to be sure that it is pleasing to the eye. The lawn should be mowed and edged on the borders of the sidewalk and the yard should be kept clean. You should cultivate the flower beds.
The house itself might need a quick coat of paint outside and possibly, inside too. In regards to the interior, you should be sure that it is clean and in a tidy condition. Clean the windows, fix leaky faucets, and remove unnecessary material and junk that may be cluttering the home.
You should do everything possible to see that the rooms are bright, clean and neatly arranged. Lights should be on in dark rooms and whatever furniture you may have in the home should be attractively displayed.
If the house has a musty smell, you might consider brewing coffee or using a sauce pan of vanilla to help remove the musty odor that exists.
Q: We have a turn-of-the-century home that are presently restoring. We have investigated various types of siding products and have found that most of these are unacceptable for our purposes. Can you offer any suggestions?
A: The Wolverine Technologies Company has a restoration collection of various types of vinyl siding materials which can be blended to the aesthetics of painted wood with the practical qualities of vinyl sidings. They have shaped the image of vinyl into a smooth, low-gloss siding that parallels wood in appearance and eliminates painting.
You can receive their brochures by calling them at 800/356-8722. Wolverine Technologies is located at 1650 Howard St., Lincoln Park, Mich. 48146.
Fontaine is president of the Western Regional Master Builders Assn. He will answer questions concerning home improvements. Phone 213/858-2933 or write him at 8727 West 3rd St., Suite 203, Los Angeles 90048.