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.
  • Move cars away from the front of the home.
  • Move trash bins to the garage.
  • Relocate hoses.
  • Rake leaves.
  • Sweep the porch.
  • Open deck umbrellas.
  • Remove grill covers.


Interior

  • General
    • 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.
    • Remove shoes and coats.
    • Replace dead bulbs.
    • Wipe down surfaces.
    • Hide any pet beds/toys/bowls.
  • Bathrooms
    • Wash mirrors for marks.
    • Hide trash cans, toilet brushes and plungers.
    • Remove used bath or hand towels.
      • Tip: Decorative towels show beautifully.
    • Remove all toiletries from countertops.
    • Make sure toilet paper isn’t empty or hanging low.
    • If you have a glass shower door, remove shampoos, soaps, etc.
  •  Bedrooms
    • De-clutter.
    • Make the beds.
    • Make sure the mattress or any objects under the bed are not showing.
    • Store any personal items from the nightstand (glasses, remottes, etc.)
  • Kitchen
    • Clear off counter tops.
    • Wipe down appliances.
    • Hide garbage cans, along with pet food bowls, mats and other items.
    • If dining area is small, remove any table leaves to accentuate the room size.
  • Living/Dining Room
    • Keep floors as clear as possible to emphasize the beuaty of the naturl flooring.
    • Make sure any TVs or computer monitors are turned off.
    • Clear surfaces of any non-decor items.


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.