THE RIGHT IMPROVEMENTS WILL INCREASE THE ODDS OF SELLING YOUR HOUSE QUICKLY AND FOR TOP DOLLAR. KEEP IN MIND THE 4 UP’S:

PICK IT UP – LESS CLUTTER WILL MAKE YOUR HOUSE APPEAR LARGER

You can arrange furniture to enhance this effect. In addition, potential prospects need to be able to picture their furnishings in your property. What you can live without, pack or get rid of. It will also be easier for you to clean once you do this and it will make moving to your new home simpler and faster.

• Remove all unnecessary articles from every room, closet, cabinet and counter. Don’t forget the laundry room garage, attic or other utility spaces. Clear items blocking access to furnace, electrical box. or any entrances/exits.
• Pack pictures, knickknacks, collectibles (this will also protect them), excess furniture, unnecessary clothing (such as off season) and any boxes that are not going to be needed into storage. You may need to rent storage.
• Throw away or recycle anything that you won’t use such as old prescriptions and expired medicines in the medicine cabinet, magazines, newspapers, old electronics, books, etc.

CLEAN IT UP – PEOPLE ARE TURNED OFF BY AN UNCLEAN HOME

The idea is to make every area of the house sparkle and shine.

• Clean and replace caulking in bathtubs and showers. Demineralize faucets and sinks. Scrub walls, window sills door frames, skylights and fixtures. Wipe or dust surfaces including windows and screens, counters, the top of fridge, ceiling fans, desks, electronics, and appliances. Steam and vacuum carpets. Sweep and mop floors.

FIX IT UP – REPAIRS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet doors, and other minor flaws detract from the home’s value. Have them fixed. You can repair dings on trim or cabinet with products from the hardware store.

• Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing, as well as slow draining sinks, tubs, and toilets. Make sure they are working optimally.
• Fix or replace hardware like doorstops, hinges, doorknobs, shower rods and switch guards that have become worn discolored or damaged, gutters and downspouts, screens, storm windows, and cracked or missing tiles. Fix nail pops, ceiling stains and leaks.
• Change light bulbs to the highest wattage acceptable to fixture and have the furnace and air conditioner checked, serviced and cleaned prior to inspection.

TOUCH IT UP – INCREASE THE APPEAL OF YOUR HOUSE

Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why tell the prospect how your home could look, when you can show him by redecorating? A fresh coat of paint on the floor and walls can make a huge difference.

However, keep it on the neutral side as bold colors may distract.

• Paint everything else that needs painting: cabinets, doors, trimming and baseboards that are scratched, chipped or cannot be cleaned. Don’t forget the exterior, including the mailbox. Paint any peeling before the appraiser notices and the buyer tries to negotiate. Make sure to remove any stains or paint on the floors, including in the garage.
• Place lights in closets and garage. Replace old shower curtains. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains. Invest in a new doormat. You can hire a professional to stage your home if you need some help.