Ten Inexpensive Ways to Wow Buyers

Here are 10 cheap ways to make a property more attractive to shoppers.

1. Improve first impressions. Touch up the paint on the front door and other areas that buyers see first.
2. Clean up the landscaping. Trim the hedges and trees and plant some annuals in the flowerbeds.
3. Paint the interior. A coat of light yellow or cream with contrasting white woodwork looks fresh and clean.
4. Refurbish the floors. Buff the hardwoods. Install new carpets – or at least get them professionally cleaned.
5. Take care of the big problems. If the house needs a roof or the front stoop is crumbling, get them fixed.
6. Buy warranties. Putting appliances under warranty gives homebuyers a secure feeling.
7. Improve energy efficiency. New windows or improved insulation tell a potential buyer the seller is on top of things plus they come with tax benefits.
8. Replace light fixtures. Updated fixtures, especially at the entrance way and in the foyer, create a good first impression.
9. Buy a stove. Home owners whose kitchen isn’t top of the line can jazz it up for a few hundred dollars by buying a new stove, which gives the room a fresh feel.
10. Tidy up the bathrooms. Get rid of mildew, replace caulking and replace stained sinks.

-Daily Real Estate News

Cleaning the Inside

General:                                                                      

• Paint where necessary. Wash all wall, ceiling and baseboards. Fill in holes in the walls. Polish floors
• Replace burned out bulbs and brighten rooms with more powerful bulbs
• Clean windows, inside and out.
• Lubricate doors and windows to open freely and without squeaking
• Repair squeaky floors
• Repair light switches
• Repair faucet drips
• Repair cracked walls or ceilings
• Unclog drains
• Clean fireplace and place logs inside for the fire
• Vacuum and shampoo carpets
• Clean and polish heating elements
• Clean blinds and drapes
• Straighten up closets and hallway storage; buyers will look everywhere
• Clean lighting fixtures

Bathrooms:

• Put out fresh towels and floor mat
• Clean fixtures, mirror and tub
• Replace toilet seat
• Clean shower curtain; replace liner if needed
• Replace the caulking on tub or shower if missing in places or lifting up
• Clean shower walls. Special cleaning products will help remove mildew between the tiles.
• Keep counters clutter-free
• Clean out drawers and cabinets. The more uncluttered they are, the larger they appear
• Empty waste basket
• Make sure fan is working properly and quietly
• Unclog the sink and bathtub drains

Kitchen:

• Clean and paint outside of cabinets, inside walls and shelves
• Clean ventilating hood and fan
• Clean the stove and oven
• Repair, clean and wax the floor
• Clean and polish appliances
• Clean refrigerator and freezer
• Make sure drawers are clean and slide easily
• Clear off counter tops of unneeded items to make kitchen look more spacious and clean
• Keep curtains open to let in the daylight
• Keep items on refrigerator to a minimum
• Fix garbage disposal if broken and make sure the drains are unclogged
• Clean and organize the pantry
• Clean or buy new burner pans

Garage:

• Clean it out! Get rid of anything you don't use. Organize and put everything away on shelves or in storage units.
• Paint if necessary or wash walls and mop floor
• Paint or wash garage door
• Fix and clean all lights and fixtures
• Make sure garage door openers are working properly

Basement:

• Air out basement, use air fresheners if necessary
• Secure or replace handrails
• Clean furnace
• Make sure lights work properly and are bright

Easy Touch-Up Tips