Whether you want to sell your home now or in the future – neglecting small improvements and repairs gives buyers the perfect opportunity to negotiate for a better price. Prepare your home for sale by following these suggestions from estate professionals.

Your home should be clean and tidy. Vacuum the carpets, clean the windows and make your kitchen and bathrooms shine.

Buyers first notice appearance. How attractive is the property? Is it well maintained? The more appear your house has from the outside, the more it will draw people inside.

Everything should be in good condition. If the eaves troughs are falling off or the porch stairs are broken, fix them.

Remove weeds from flowerbeds; shovel snow from walkways and patios.

Repaint a chipped front door.

The front entrance is the focal point of any residence. It should be warm and inviting. These ideas will help you make a favourable first impression.
*Add welcoming furniture such as a mirror or a small cabinet
*Wax sliders and oil all hinges on closets
*Clean out the front closet

Basic Repairs….
*Repaint all baseboards, and patch and repaint any holes in the walls. Stick with neutral tones. Use a lighter shade for walls.
*Buyers test hardware, so make sure latches work properly. Fix shaky railings and repair all broken doors.
*Replace old electrical wall plates and switch covers. Replace your electrical switches in the dining room and living room with dimmer switches.
*Consider removing any worn and stained carpets if there’s attractive hardwood flooring underneath. Basements are usually the last place to be checked. But they can be key to giving potential buyers a good impression.
*Use a dehumidifier during the summer to reduce dampness and mildew.
*Scrub the mildew off the walls, sweep the floor and get rid of any cobwebs.
*Tidy up and neatly stack any storage boxes in shelves.

Bathrooms….
*Touch up minor chips or water stains in the sink and tub with porcelain paint.

For major water stains, hire a professional to reglaze the tub.
*If caulking is stained with dirt or mildew, replace it.
*Fix any plumbing problems; dripping taps, leaking valves, etc.
*Use a special grout cleaner to remove mildew from tiles.
*Replace cabinet handles and pulls if your bathroom needs a fresh look.