Laurie Westheimer will be the first person to tell you that she did not just grow up and become a Realtor®. “I came into this field with a lot of varying experience from paralegal to boutique owner, marketing and public relations as well as home improvement and renovation. It’s funny because I still wear all of those hats in this business,” says Laurie. When she became a Realtor, Laurie was able to put all her skills to perfect use in one job that she loves.
The Westheimer Group is composed of Laurie and full-time agent Devin Eisenhour. Together they are supported by Laurie’s sister, Leslie Gunckel, who serves as Marketing Manager and transaction coordinator.
Throughout the process, Laurie and Devin ensure that their clients are prepared for the current seller’s market, offering informed advice during property tours and providing ongoing guidance even after closing, including recommendations for vendors and improvements for enhanced resale value.
When it comes to adding resale value, Laurie emphasizes the importance of both cosmetic and functional updates. “While the cosmetic updates to the interior will always help to bring buyers in, I cannot stress enough how important it is to also consider updating some of the more functional items of an aging home. Nothing will cause a buyer to pause their enthusiasm faster than signs of deferred maintenance,” explains Laurie. “The cosmetic renovations that most buyers love tend to be beautifully updated kitchens, cohesive wood or laminate flooring and clean, spa-like bathrooms.”
Current trends among homebuyers in the Dayton area reflect a shift towards vibrant kitchen designs with colorful cabinets and unique backsplashes. “Some of my most popular listings over the last year had painted cabinets and unique backsplashes. I’m also seeing a mixture of metals in hardware and light fixtures. Unique and more eclectic lighting choices are also quite popular,” says Laurie.
In addition to interiors, Laurie identifies outdoor spaces as crucial selling points. Homes with curb appeal and outdoor amenities are in high demand among buyers.
For those looking to sell, Laurie offered a few tips to help get your home market-ready:
Address any deferred maintenance items. These upkeep items could be functional or cosmetic. For example, addressing scuffed or frayed flooring is cosmetic whereas scheduling cleaning and service for the HVAC system is functional. Even peeling paint, which can seem like a minor cosmetic issue, can cause major problems for buyers using VA and FHA financing, due to the potential for hazardous lead-based paint.
Declutter and pack. Laurie suggests tucking away holiday or seasonal decor and packing up excess personal items such as children’s toys, trophies, awards, family photos and collections.
Find ways to improve curb appeal. “Keep in mind that even in the winter, people are often spending a minute or two at your front door waiting for their agent to unlock the door,” shares Laurie. Keeping the area free of cobwebs, dead leaves and overgrowth is important to create a great first impression.
Stage the home. Staging showcases your home's potential, attracting buyers with a visually enticing and inviting presentation.
To connect with Laurie and her team at The Westheimer Group-Coldwell Banker Heritage visit WestheimerGroupDayton.com.
“Some of my most popular listings over the last year had painted cabinets and unique backsplashes. I’m also seeing a mixture of metals in hardware and light fixtures. Unique and more eclectic lighting choices are also quite popular.”