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 knickknacks.

· 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.