Light up your home and sell faster

The right lighting makes your home comfortable and functional. A bright home also attracts buyers. Here are some tips for lighting up your home to optimize your enjoyment and its sales appeal.

Outside
Put new bulbs that are as bright as the wattage allows in outdoor fixtures. Clean light covers to maximize the light that shines through and to give your home a clean, well kept look. Consider adding small lights along your driveway or garden to accent your yard's best features.

Entrance and hall
A poorly lit hallway can be a disaster when you're selling your home, as it's the first thing a potential buyer sees. Install high-wattage bulbs and keep the fixtures clean. Potlights or recessed lights add flair and can be angled to highlight artwork or make the hall seem bigger (painting the walls a light color and adding mirrors also create a sense of space and brightness).

Bathroom
Bad lighting can be unflattering. In the bathroom, use fluorescent bulbs with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 or more. This will enhance skin tones and other colors. Make sure you have ample lighting in functional areas such as the tub or shower as well as over the vanity mirror. A night-light is a warm, comforting touch.

Kitchen
Good kitchen lighting is crucial to the cook and ">can sell your home. Use a mix of lighting: recessed lights in the ceiling, task lighting around work areas such as the stove and counter and accent lights to bring attention to your kitchen's best features.

Living room
Throw open the shades and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. When prospective buyers visit, turn on all the lights to chase away any shadows. Table lamps with 40- or 60-watt bulbs and attractive, translucent shades cast a glow that makes the living room feel just right for entertaining or reading. A couple of lightly scented candles add intimacy and warmth.

Follow the same tips around the rest of the house and you may see the light at the end of the tunnel: a Sold sign on your lawn.