Being able to spot an \u201cugly duckling\u201d \u2013 a property which presents badly, but has the potential to be great \u2013 is a fine art. It can be learned, though.<\/strong><\/p>\n Property expert, Cathy Morrissey, who teaches people how to renovate for profit through her company, The Renovation College, says ugly ducklings are often overlooked because they look like hard work.<\/p>\n The key is to look for properties that are actually appealing \u2013 but with ugly, fixable parts. Picture: Getty<\/p>\n<\/div>\n But many can be transformed into beautiful, profitable swans, with just \u201ca little imagination and paint\u201d. It\u2019s about seeing past what a property looks like, to what it could look like, she says.<\/p>\n \u201cThe trick is to go for homes that are actually visually appealing, but they have ugly parts to them,\u201d Morrissey says.<\/p>\n She recommends buyers look for a property with \u201csurface\u201d problems only; which can be quickly and simply rejuvenated, without great expense.<\/p>\n \u201cGetting pest and building inspections done will flag up any major issues \u2013 like big plumbing or structural problems \u2013 which you really want to avoid as they can be costly. Keep it simple and go for a property that can be updated without too much work,\u201d Morrissey says.<\/p>\n \u201cHere\u2019s how you can spot a good ugly duckling: The bones of the building are good. The cupboards are in good condition and the benchtop can be transformed with a benchtop kit and new door handles,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Research about how much any work will cost and don\u2019t get too emotionally invested, she advises.<\/p>\n In many cases, a property\u2019s \u201cugliness\u201d is down to bad paint, Morrissey says.<\/p>\n Painting<\/a> over a bad colour is an easy and effective fix. Picture: Getty<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cEither the paint colour is out-of-date or was just the wrong choice in the beginning,\u201d Morrissey says.<\/p>\n But new paint is an easy fix, although it\u2019s important to estimate the cost, as it can cost $5000 to paint a full house interior<\/a>, she adds.<\/p>\n Old-fashioned gardens can also date a property, but with a few tweaks, they can be \u201cchanged up fast\u201d too.<\/p>\n Morrissey explains a few other ways to quickly improve an ugly duckling, for those looking to sell quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cChange the garage door to a more modern door or outside, add a modern, but cost-effect shade sail, using the existing home and fence posts to add a modern feel,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the interior, keep the quirks. Especially if you have a 1950 or 60s bathroom that is sound but just needs a cosmetic makeover.<\/p>\n \u201cAlso, with great products like benchtop transformation kits available, home owners can re-rejuvenate their kitchen for as little as $1000,\u201d Morrissey says.<\/p>\n
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