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Sixty seconds is all you have to create a good first impression. Here are detailed ways on how you can make your home attractive to potential buyers.

Outside the house:

  • Cut the grass and make sure it stays that way. Make the yard look neat by taking away clutter.
  • Pull out the weeds and put fresh mulch to flower beds.
  • Wooden fences must be painted new.
  • Make sure door handles are tight and clean.
  • Windows should be cleaned inside and out.
  • Powerwash the home’s exterior
  • Gutters and downspouts should be firmly attached and functioning.
  • Paint the front door.
  • Put a new welcome mat.
  • Place potted flowers near the front door.

Inside the house:

  • Look at the furnitures in each room. Remove anything that looks “off” or anything that disrupts the design/theme. Take out any furniture that makes the room look smaller. Rent a storage unit if you have to.
  • Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.
  • Inspect light fixtures and ceiling fans. Make sure they’re clean and functional.
  • Wash the carpets.
  • Take away too many “personal stuff”; including wall hangings and knick-knacks.
  • Inspect plumbing system to make sure they’re not leaking; and if so, have them fixed.
  • Repair torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking.
  • Clean and repaint if necessary walls and ceilings.
  • Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.
  • Replace discolored grout.
  • Replace broken tiles and worn countertops.

Additional details for showings:

  • Turn on all the lights.
  • Open drapes and shutters during the day.
  • If you have pets, secure them outside.
  • Use new towels for bathrooms.
  • Use new beddings for bedrooms.
  • Replace old lamps or lampshades.
  • Play soft background music.
  • Light the fireplace.
  • Use a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.
  • Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner.
  • Do not stay in the house while it is being shown.
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