The Secret Weapon To Selling Your Home Quicker? Indoor Lighting By Realtor.com

For months, Kelly Broaddus, a real estate broker with Broaddus Properties Group, had to watch one of her Northern Arizona listings sit on the market.

The sellers had insisted that their decor and lighting were perfect as is and refused to take the home stager's advice to paint some walls, remove their dark furniture and—especially—switch out the light fixtures. Despite Broaddus' (and the stager's) best efforts, the home got little interest.

Finally, the sellers decided to make the recommended upgrades, giving the home a brighter, more welcoming look. 

"We put the home back on the market, and it sold within one week at full price," Broaddus says, adding that lighting can make a "huge difference" in how a home shows.

Justin M. Riordan, founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency in Portland, OR, agrees, saying, "Lighting is everything. You can have the most beautiful room in the world, but if it’s poorly lit, it will still look sad, small, and a little bit haunted."

If you want your house to sell, great lighting is a must.

Lighting that can boost your selling power

When it comes to lighting, Broaddus explains that a home needs to make a good impression, and this begins with the listing photos.

"It’s so important to use a professional photographer who really understands lighting, both inside
lighting and the best time of day to shoot," she says. "It can honestly make the difference between selling your home for thousands more or thousands less."

But a photographer can't do everything. Homeowners will often need to make some upgrades.

"The good news is that lighting upgrades can be as small or as grand as you want them to be," says Riordan. "Sometimes, all it takes is replacing a burned-out bulb or swapping a harsh bulb for the correct color temperature—a fix that costs less than your morning coffee."

He explains that, for most homes, a few well-placed lamps, a smart choice in bulbs, and thoughtful fixture updates can completely transform the mood.

And he notes that while some changes—like bulb swaps and plug-in lighting—are DIY-friendly, when it comes to hardwired fixtures, it's important to call a professional.

Here's a few upgrades homeowners should consider.

Replace old bulbs with LEDs 

If you’re looking for an inexpensive lighting upgrade, Broaddus recommends switching out old lightbulbs with LEDs.

“They save money, last a long time, and make the house look bright and clean,” she says.

Plus, she says that these energy-efficient bulbs and other eco features can be a big selling point.

"Energy-efficient lighting makes a home feel more modern and well cared for, and it’s something I always highlight when showing a property," Broaddus notes.

Modern light fixtures 

Why stop at the light bulbs? If you have a little more money set aside for lighting, Broaddus recommends swapping out dated fixtures (like old brass chandeliers, big frosted glass dome lights, and dated ceiling fans) for modern ones. She says that clean, updated lighting in the kitchen, dining area, or hallways makes the whole home feel fresh.

But Emily Anderson, a senior real estate agent at Every Door Real Estate in Seattle, warns that just because a fixture is new, doesn't mean it's better. She says it's important to find fixtures that compliment a space and feel natural. So, if you've got what is clearly an early 2000s home, maybe don't spring for the giant, modern, chandelier-slash-art piece. It'll seem out of place and distract from the rest of the home.

"Unless we’re talking about a luxury listing with incredibly unique fixtures, my rule of thumb is that lighting shouldn’t catch your eye," she says. "You want it to compliment the space but not draw attention."

Dimmer switches or smart lights 

When it comes to listing photos and open houses, it seems that the brighter, the better. But in real life, homeowners will want to adjust or customize the lights, which is why Anderson says dimmers and smart lights are such a big selling point.

"People love to set the mood in their home, and a dim light is often a piece of that recipe," Anderson says.

Ambient lighting in the bathroom for a spa-worthy feel

If you've got a little extra in the budget and are wanting to make some extra lighting upgrades, Broaddus says the main bathroom is a good spot to focus on. Backlit mirrors can be an eye-catching upgrade, and dimmable lights are perfect for relaxing bubble baths.

"Soft, relaxing lighting in the bathroom really gives it that spa vibe, which buyers love. It makes the space feel more luxurious and updated," Broaddus says. "I see this more often now, and it’s a smart investment because it doesn’t break the bank but really helps your bathroom stand out."

Underlighting and uplighting

Looking to add something unique and glamorous? Underlighting cabinets or shelves can be a nice touch.

"It’s not something I see in every home, but when it’s done, it definitely makes the space feel more custom," Broaddus says of the luxe lighting detail. "Buyers notice these little details, and it can make a room feel more special."

Meanwhile, Riordan says uplighting can make a big difference as well.

"Add soft uplighting on shelves or behind plants, spa-like sconces in the bathroom, or small picture lights over art," he advises. "These subtle touches elevate the space without screaming for attention."

Lighting that helps with aging in place

While lighting upgrades are often about aesthetics and style, they can also be functional. Broaddus explains that lighting that’s designed to help people age in place—think brighter lights in hallways—motion sensors, or easy-to-reach switches, is becoming more desirable.

"As more buyers think about staying in their homes longer, these features are a big plus," Broaddus explains. "They show that the home is safe and practical for all ages."

Natural light via bay windows or glass doors

Adding more natural light by expanding windows or installing a skylight can be expensive, but sunshine is always a selling point. So if you have the budget for the upgrade, it might be worth the investment. Big windows, bay windows, and glass doors to patios or backyards will surely get buyers' attention.

"Windows are so important to my clients—especially for folks who work from home," says Anderson. "Big windows and natural light are usually top of mind."

Broaddus adds that homes with lots of natural light usually sell faster and for more money.

"I find homes with large windows framing the views—when there are views—will sell a home faster than anything else," she says.

Good electrical in the home

Granted, updated electrical wiring and general lighting aren't the flashiest features, but they are important aspects of a home.

"Buyers want to know that the home is safe and that all the lights work well," Broaddus says. "Making sure everything is up to date and to code is a good investment and gives buyers peace of mind."

Anderson adds that bad electrical can even kill a sale. She says that in her area, she often sees homes with knob and tube wiring—an older style—which can be a safety concern.

"This is usually caught in an inspection and can be a factor in if they continue with the purchase or not," Anderson says. "It can be costly to update and electrical throughout the whole home."

Indeed, lighting can make or break a sale.

"Call Eli Torres at (832) 430-2107, for your home buying and selling needs."

Source: www.realtor.com