DEPERSONALIZE

Prospective homebuyers want to be able to picture themselves living in the home. It has to be open and inviting. If your walls are lined with family portraits and memorabilia it will be hard for them to think of your home as anything but that – your home and not theirs. While you can and should leave artwork and photos on display, just make sure they have wide appeal.

CUT THE CLUTTER

If you have clutter on every surface or things piled up in corners, buyers will worry the house might not accommodate their stuff either. Clutter-free rooms not only look more orderly, they seem bigger, too.

ORGANIZE DRAWERS, CLOSETS & CABINETS TOO

You may think no one will snoop, but you’d be wrong. Keep the contents of your drawers neat, tidy and well organized because it gives the impression you’re a meticulous homeowner. Buyers will trust you’ve maintained your entire home at a similarly high standard.

REMOVE FAVORITE ITEMS NOW

If you can’t bear the thought of parting with something – particular window-coverings or an expensive light fixture – take it down before you list your house. Put up an inexpensive replacement instead. You won’t have to bother listing exclusions or risk having someone fall in love with something you never intended to sell in the first place.

MAKE REPAIRS

All those little things on your to do list? Do them. Address the major repairs first ~ leaky roof, broken windows, etc. Make all the minor fix-ups you’ve been putting off. You want your home in the best condition possible before inviting buyers in.

CLEAN TO PERFECTION

Inside and out, your home needs to look its best. If the task seems overwhelming, hire a cleaning service to do a thorough top-to-bottom clean. Then simply maintain, doing little tasks daily (vacuum, wipe down counters, etc.) to keep make your home shine.

TAKE COLOR DOWN A NOTCH

You might love your lime-green bedroom, but it may sour buyers. Paint your walls a neutral color that will appeal to a wide range of people.

MAKE THE FRONT DOOR INVITING

A fresh coat of paint, especially in a color that contrasts with the home, will make the front door stand out. Replace faded house numbers so buyers can see them from the curb.

DON’T FORGET CURB APPEAL

Mow the lawn, prune the bushes, weed the garden, and plant flowers. Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street. A simple planter and a welcome mat go a long way toward making the exterior of your home inviting. And, if it’s winter, ensure your driveway and walkway is always cleared of snow.