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 discoloured 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