It's all about first impressions.

Small improvements to your home could greatly increase the perceived value of your property. It is always a good idea to freshen up the interior and exterior of your home before putting it on the market. Home staging can help your home look more attractive and highlight some of it's best features, however it is not always neccesary. There are many simple things you can do to make your home look bigger and become more showing-friendly. The goal is to make potential buyers feel like they could live in your home, and the finest way to do this is to neutralize the surroundings.

Below are some helpful tips to help put your home in prime showing shape:

 
Exterior

• Keep your lawn cut
• Clean out your garage
• Do small exterior paint touch ups
• Maintain a clean porch
• Ensure the doorbell works
• Repair any broken screens
• Repair door locks

 
Create Space

• Clear out your closets and remove clutter 
• Store excess furniture elsewhere to create more space
• Keep kitchen counter and stove top clear
• Put away personal photos - this helps the buyer envision the home as their own!
• Focus on highlighting the most visable areas in your home (kitchen, living room, master suite, family room, etc.)

 
Maintenance

• Repair taps and toilets
• Clean furnace and filters
• Clean and repair windows
• Replace burnt out light bulbs
• Oil any squeaking doors
• Repair squeaking floor boards

 
Interior Tips

• Remove personal items in your home (family photos, souvenirs, etc.)
• Ensure bathrooms, kitchen and carpets are especially clean
• Clean your entire house throughly or hire a cleaning company to do so
• Eliminate pet odors and stains
• Avoid cooking foods that leave an odor (fish, garlic, etc.)
• Set the dining room table with attractive linens and dishes
• Neatly arrange fresh flowers throughout your home
• Use as much natural light as possible
• Purchase new hand towels and mats to create a fresh look