One of the most important things you can do as you prepare to market your home for sale is to increase your home's appeal. Remember
the 60-second rule: That's all the time you have to create a winning first impression. Here are some simple to significant
ways to maximize your home's appeal.
Exterior
Keep the grass cut and remove all yard clutter.
Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds.
Apply fresh paint to wooden fences.
Tighten and clean all door handles.
Clean windows inside and out.
Powerwash
home's exterior.
Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning.
Paint the front door.
Buy a new welcome mat.
Place potted flowers near the front
door.
Interior
Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove anything that interrupts "the flow" or makes
the
room appear smaller. Consider renting a storage unit to move items
off-site.
Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.
Clean all light
fixtures and ceiling fans.
Shampoo carpets.
Remove excessive wall hangings and
knick-knacks.
Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps.
Make
minor repairs (torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking).
Clean or paint walls and ceilings.
Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.
Fix or replace discolored grout.
Replace
broken tiles.
Replace worn countertops.
Special details for showings
Turn on all
the lights.
Open all drapes and shutters in the daytime.
Keep pets secured outdoors.
Buy new towels for bathrooms.
Buy new bedding for bedrooms.
Replace old lamps
or lampshades.
Play quiet background music.
Light the fireplace or clean
out the ashes and light a candelabrum.
Infuse home with a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.
Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner party.
Vacate the property while it is being shown.