Cornwall, Mar 22, 2005 - When you're in the market for a new home, you probably have an idea of how you want it to look. But keep in mind that a home that is not in "pristine" condition may still have great potential.
Here are some tips to help you look beyond bad decorating and hideous wallpaper to see a potential jewel:
* Floor plan: The floor plan is extremely important. Look at the flow and how you will use your home. A good floor plan can make up for a lot of much needed paint. Rearranging a floor plan can be an expensive proposition.
* Walls and floors: The walls and floor make a huge first impression. Paint is relatively inexpensive, so picture the colors you would choose. Carpets can be removed or replaced, hardwoods refinished. Linoleum is not very expensive. These types of minor fix-ups can make a huge impact on look and feel.
* Kitchen: The kitchen is the most popular room. Paint and new appliances can cure many ills. The most important thing to consider is whether or not it has enough space to suit your needs.
Remember that unless you're building your dream home, you will probably never find the "perfect" home. So when making an offer, keep in mind the things you can't live without, the small things you can look beyond, as well as your budget.
