When presenting your home to prospective buyers, first impressions are crucial. Buyers begin judging your

home the moment they see it, and generally they prefer homes that are well-maintained, clean and clutterfree

-- homes they can picture themselves living in. That is why home improvements -- particularly if they

address the anticipated needs of buyers -- can boost your home's saleability and sale price.

Here are a few proven, cost-effective tips that will help your home look its best:

Exterior

• Mow and rake the lawn, trim hedges, weed and edge gardens

• Sweep sidewalks and driveway, pick up any litter

• Repair gutters and eaves, touch up exterior paint

• Plant extra flowers for color, or place potted plants beside the front door

• Clean or paint front door, polish front door hardware, ensure doorbell works

Interior

• Clean and tidy the entrance, clear stairs and halls, store all excess furniture

• Brighten interiors with fresh, light-toned paint

• Brighten rooms by installing high wattage light bulbs and turning them on

• Shampoo carpets, clean and wax floors

• Organize kitchen countertops -- removing appliances if necessary -- to make them look spacious

• Clean kitchen countertops, cabinets, appliances, washer and dryer

• Organize and clean out closets to make them look larger

• Clean and freshen bathrooms, put out clean towels, minimize clutter

• Clean mirrors and windows so they sparkle

• Organize and clean garage and basement

• Perform necessary minor repairs and touch-ups to walls, windows, fixtures, etc.

Tips For Showings And Open Houses

• Be absent so buyers feel more comfortable making comments

• Light the fireplace, open the drapes, play quiet background music

• Keep pets outdoors

 

These are just a few ideas to get you started. I know what today's buyers are looking for and can provide

more ideas that will maximize your home's appeal. Remember, a few easy and inexpensive improvements

can produce big returns on your investment.