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.
– 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.