Get more light on the subject

Brightening up the interior of a home can have a significant impact on its overall appeal and substantially boost the chances of a successful sale.

That's the word from Gerhard Kotzé, CEO of the RealNet property group, who says most property professionals will acknowledge the importance of good lighting as well as good ventilation in making a home feel more inviting, spacious, and well-maintained.

"And the good news is that homeowners don't usually need to embark on a major remodel to achieve good effects. Just maximizing the available natural light in a home will immediately make it feel brighter and more cheerful - and it is easy to achieve by cleaning the windows, removing heavy curtains and trimming back any trees of shrubs that are preventing sunlight from entering the rooms."

Other lighting tips for home sellers include:
- Replacing outdated or worn-out light fixtures with modern, attractive ones that complement the style of your home. This will instantly update the look and feel of a room.

- However, when choosing light fixtures and bulbs, you should try to opt for neutral styles and colors that will appeal to a broad range of potential buyers. Avoid overly trendy or personalized choices.

- Create a more modern look by opting for energy-efficient LED bulbs that produce warm white light. Avoid using bulbs that are too bright or too dim, as they can create an uncomfortable atmosphere.

- Layer the lighting to create a well-balanced and inviting environment. This can be achieved by using a mixture of overhead fixtures, floor lamps, table lamps and wall sconces.

- Using strategic lighting to highlight key features of your home, such as architectural details, artwork or focal points in a room.

- On the other hand, make sure you shine a light into dark corners and hallways, which can make a home feel unwelcoming and smaller than it actually is.

- Create a cozy atmosphere, especially if your home is being viewed in winter or on a rainy day. Add soft and warm-toned lighting to both living areas and bedrooms, and turn it on, even during daylight showings. Use dimmer switches so lights can be turned up if and when necessary.

- Consider installing a Smart lighting system that will allow potential buyers to control the lighting remotely. This would be an attractive feature for younger, tech-savvy buyers.

- Spread the light to outdoor living spaces such as patios, decks and verandas. This will definitely make your property more appealing - and safer. And you can enhance this effect by adding motion-sensor lights to gateways, garage entrances and gardens if you wish.