Increasing 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.
-
Power-wash 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 counter-tops.
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.