Polish Your Home

Real estate is like any industry, a product has to look appealing for people to want to buy it. Just like the bruised and scabby apples will be the last ones chosen in the produce isle, so the houses with glaring flaws sit on the market, unsold. Sure, there are those that scout-out the best deals and often buy up damaged homes on potentially valuable lots, however your average home buyer needs to want to live somewhere in order to consider buying it.

That means that a little physical make-over can do a world of good when it comes time to sell. I'm not advocating putting a false front on a decaying foundation. Sprucing up your home for sale isn't about deception, it's more like polishing up a gem—a little elbow grease helps it shine to its full potential.

So where do you start? Well, how about starting with what a buyer is going to see first—your front yard and entry-way. Landscaping goes a long way towards making a yard look good. Prune old, dead branches off of shrubs and trees. Rake up any leaves. Anything looking old and dried-out will not make a good impression. However, if it is winter, be forgiving. Those bare twigs may not be dead at all.

If your porch stairs are broken at all, get them fixed. Consider re-painting your home, or certain key areas if the paint is still fairly fresh. Depending on your siding, a thorough cleaning might be enough. Does your front door stick or squeak? Fix it, then go clean your windows. Whatever it takes to have your home looking bright and fresh, that's what you should do.

One thing that makes a big impression is good lighting. You've already cleaned the windows, now consider cleaning your drapes or blinds. Be sure to have the drapes open on showing days, to allow as much natural light in as possible. Turn on lights in all the rooms. This isn't the day for energy conservation, as you want buyers to see your home as bright and clean.

Bathrooms and kitchens are important places, and tend to be key features that can impress or turn off buyers. Be sure that these rooms are as clean and well organized as they can be. While some people recommend setting up cinnamon sticks in water to make your home smell nice, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. However, if you do decide to bake, leave some goodies out for viewers. It's a guarantee they'll remember your home if they ate something there. Even a bowl of individually wrapped candies, or perhaps more practical, some bottled water on ice in the sink, and a pot of fresh coffee on.

But don't feel like this food and drink is a necessity if you really don't have time or energy. The most important thing is making your home look good. All you can really do is get your house looking its best, and hope the right person comes along.