How Can We Make Our Older Home Attractive to Younger Buyers?

First, address the fear young buyers may have about maintaining an older home. What you can do:

* Get a home inspection and fix any potential problems the inspector finds. Have the heating and air conditioning systems checked. If you don’t have city water and sewer, have the pump and septic system checked. Make the report available so you can show it to prospective buyers.

* Buying a home warranty is another good idea. It should cover any significant problems that may occur during the first year of ownership. Buyers won’t have to worry, for instance, about replacing the furnace during that time.

* Because windows in older homes tend to be smaller, do whatever you can to bring light into the house. Remove heavy curtains; use bright light bulbs, buy light fixtures that have two or four bulbs instead of one; and trim back any bushes that block light from coming inside.

* If you will do any painting, make walls a light color, such as off-white, light beige or light gray.

* Because a buyer might want to take on a project, like replacing a bathroom floor or fixtures, get an estimate of the project costs and have it available.