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.

Interior

• 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.

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.