People are attracted to well-lit public facilities, parks, and commercial shopping districts. Why? Because good lighting increases the desirability of these places and significantly contributes to people’s sense of well-being. Research has shown that light quality affects people in different ways. For instance, well-designed lighting can enhance mood and boost productivity. A dark house, on the other hand, can turn off potential buyers. Here are some reasons why your sellers need to address the lighting in their homes.
Many homes have dated lighting fixtures that don’t impress buyers. For a home to sell at a good price, the light fixtures must be replaced. Some sellers may think “Buyers can change the lights when they move in.” Yes, they can, but they won’t be willing to dish out a lot of money for a home with old lighting fixtures.
Homeowners should replace older lighting fixtures with modern ones to make their homes feel more current. When installing the fixtures, they should ensure that they are in the best position so they can provide bright light. Dead bulbs should be replaced with new ones so all spaces are well-lit.
Modern buyers are looking for homes with energy-efficient lighting that helps cut costs. Conventional light bulbs, also known as incandescent bulbs, are very inefficient. They only convert about 5% of the electricity they use into visible light. They produce light by heating filaments until they glow. But the filaments evaporate with time hence the bulbs do not last long.
In recent years, more and more homeowners are using LEDs (light emitting diodes) and CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps). While the two cost more than traditional bulbs, they last a long time and save homeowners money during their lifetimes. LEDs produce less heat than traditional bulbs and consequently decrease heating and cooling costs, leading to significant energy savings.
Advise home sellers to get controls like photocells and timers which turn off lights when not in use. Dimmers can also save electricity if they are used to lower light levels. Homeowners should select products that work with the bulbs they want to use.
Environmental pollution is on the rise and many people are doing everything they can to ensure they protect natural resources. LEDs contain no mercury, unlike high-intensity discharge lamps (HIDs). The latter contain a lot of mercury which can penetrate into water supplies and negatively affect sea creatures and those who eat them.
LEDs last 20 times longer than other bulbs and don’t need to be replaced frequently. They reduce the effects of manufacturing, shipping and packaging. They can last for 10 years without maintenance. Since they don’t require a lot of servicing, the environmental impact is reduced.
Illumination can determine the look and feel of a space. Home sellers can decorate their homes with lamps that make a statement. They should steer clear of metal lamps and buy bold ones which add character to rooms. For example, a green lamp can accentuate other green features in a room.
A lamp can also make a room warm and welcoming. Home sellers should use lampshades and bases to enhance their decorative schemes. A red wall sconce can bring an accent color to eye level and draw visitors as they enter a room.
The right light can make rooms look more spacious, airier, and more desirable. It points out focal points and can create a dramatic mood. It can also make a big difference in how prospective buyers see a home. Changing lighting is an inexpensive update as compared to updates like re-flooring.
Ronique Gibson is an Associate Architect and a LEED Accredited Professional, who has been in the design industry for over 13 years. She started her design blog in 2009 and today it has become a premier destination for helping homeowners with everyday lifestyle challenges. Her readers check in daily for help with their homes, DIY project ideas, recipes, crafts, and inspiration to beautify and enjoy their homes.