Tip 1: Paint

One of the simplest improvements of all is paint! Fresh paint can make a room look clean and updated.  When selecting paint colors, keep in mind that neutrals appeal to the greatest number of people, therefore making your home more desirable.  So get busy painting!

Tip 2: The Cleaner the Better

Keep in mind, you only get one shot at a first impression. So, make the interior of your home shine from the moment someone walks through the door. Even if you clean your home regularly, there are nooks and crannies that you may miss or overlook. Let a cleaning service do the dirty work to really make your home sparkle. The normal fee is under $400 

Tip 3: Make Your Home Look Larger

Square footage isn't the only space that counts, how large a home feels is also very important. The key is to make each room in your house feel larger. Remove heavy closed draperies to let the light in; bright rooms always feel more spacious. And most important of all: clear the clutter. The more clutter, furniture, and plain old stuff you have in a room, the smaller it will feel.

Tip 4: Popcorn - No, not the kind you Eat

What's on your ceiling? If it is popcorn, then the home can appear dated. Dedicate a weekend to ditching the dated look and adding dollar signs to the value of your home. First, visit your local hardware store for a solution to soften the texture, then simply scrape the popcorn away. (This is a messy job, so cover EVERYTHING)

 Tip 5: The Lawn - Curb Appeal is Crucial

Overgrown lawns and outsized bushes hurt the curb appeal, keeping some buyers from even wanting to go inside. The good news is that this is an easy fix. For a couple of hundred dollars, you can hire a lawn company to cut your lawn and trim/shape your hedges. Your curb appeal will go from messy to maintained without blowing your budget.

Tip 6: Regular Maintenance and Repairs

Walk around your home and make a list of all the little things that are in need of repair. Individually, small repairs might not seem important, but if every room has just one thing wrong, those small things will add up to create the impression that your home has been neglected. Staying on top of maintenance today eliminates problems down the road when you are ready to sell. You may even consider having a home inspection done by a professional home inspector. While this costs around $350, it is something that buyers will do and it is better to know what needs to be done now rather than just before closing! Walk around your home and make a list of all the little things that are in need of repair. Individually, small repairs might not seem important, but if every room has just one thing wrong, those small things will add up to create the impression that your home has been neglected. Staying on top of maintenance today eliminates problems down the road when you are ready to sell. You may even consider having a home inspection done by a professional home inspector. While this costs around $350, it is something that buyers will do and it is better to know what needs to be done now rather than just before closing!

 Tip 7: Bathroom Updates Can Equal Big Returns

Bathroom updates are always a smart move. A Full remodel can be pricey, but even small changes such as replacing dated wallpaper with a faux or textured finish and replacing old lighting will update the room. For even more appeal and bang for your buck, you can consider replacing an outdated vanity, old plumbing, fixtures, or adding a new tile floor.

 Tip 8: Kitchen Updates Equal Added Value

The same rule applies in the kitchen. Some of the items that create the most value are: swapping out a stained sink or ancient microwave for shiny new stainless models. Even small kitchen updates will add big value to your home. As in other rooms, you can consider painting the walls and maybe even the cabinets for a fresh look. If needed, a new countertop is always worth the investment as well!

 Tip 9: Flooring

Are your carpets and area rugs stained or worn? Are your hardwoods scratched, vinyl torn, or ceramic cracked? Nothing turns buyers off more than the thought that they will immediately need to replace all of the flooring in a home. Ideally, you may want to replace them all, but if a limited budget puts a snag in that plan, start by replacing the flooring in the room that shows the most wear and replace the rest as your finances allow, or maybe consider an allowance for that to the buyer!

Tip 10: Get Professional Advice

Call me to schedule a time to come over and go through your home with you. I can give you tips on which items would work best for your particular home and situation!