Staying in the Light
Take advantage of the direction of the sun, when it’s brightest and best for your property. While the sun may not always be in your control, you can increase light levels on your own too, with a bit of tried-and-trusted elbow grease. Scrub the windows inside and out, select lightweight material for curtains, and head outside to prune trees or bushes that may be obstructing light. Head back indoors and tour the rooms to see which ones need an extra lamp, or perhaps simply increased bulb wattage to brighten things up. These tricks will allow you to make a sparkling impression, even without floor-to-ceiling windows. Remember, bright spaces equal big spaces!

Fixing the Little Things
Small things you’ve come to think of as cozy quirks, like a front door that creaks, a toilet seat that wobbles, or a drawer that will not shut, may not be quite as charming to first-time visitors in your home. While these seem like quick fixes, worse-for-wear details can accumulate quickly. Ultimately, they could suggest to buyers that the house was not well cared for, and there may be more trouble ahead. Avoid any chance for buyers to turn away by freshening up old paint, installing a doorbell that actually rings, and fixing that dripping faucet once and for all. As for the rest of the home, always keep the C-words in mind: Clean all Counters, Cracks and Crevices. Nothing deters buyers more than an unsightly mess.

Use all of the Space
Make the most of awkward areas in the home by turning them into intentional space, instead of wasted square footage. When utilized cleverly, corner nooks and angled ceilings can capture the attention of potential buyers looking to stretch their dollar, or to make a statement. Follow our expert selling tips by adding floating shelves to create a welcoming display area, or a sleek desk to entice everyone’s dream of a home office.

Remove your Feelings
Chances are good that your house is your home, heart, and your happiness. Its four walls have taken in your belongings, its roof has sheltered you, and its foundation has lifted you up, quite literally. However, now is the time to remove yourself from its care.

Home Staging Tips
Remove everything that loudly shouts out your personality (as beautiful as it may be). This includes family photos, keepsakes, and furniture that was formerly in vogue. Minimalism is best, though there is no need to go overboard. The key is to strike a balance between a home that is too lived-in and too sterile.

Update Your Home
When it comes to selling your home, the biggest deal-makers or breakers for most buyers are the kitchen and bathroom. In these two rooms, it’s difficult to hide outdated fixtures, which have the potential to haunt buyers well after they walk out of the door.

Before launching into renovations, consider time and money. If both are minimal, rolling up your sleeves could be worth the effort. For cost-effective solutions, consider swapping out hardware or replacing drawer fronts and doors, instead of investing in brand new cabinets. Rather than buying a fancy new oven, buy a few stainless-steel appliances to display. These style hacks may prove the rooms to be as upscale as they are.

DON’T Bypass the Bedrooms
Paying attention to the sanctuaries that are bedrooms is one of the most economical (and often overlooked) means of maximizing home value. Make bedrooms appear relaxing with crisp linens and soft color touches that will make anyone want to stay for a nap. Sellers often make the mistake of hiding things behind closed doors, unaware that when let loose in your home, buyers can’t help but sneak into your storage to see the space.

Keep It Fresh
One of the last biggest turnoffs for a homebuyer is concerning odors. All houses have a scent, and very likely, the scent of your own home is not even noticeable to you. When getting your home ready to sell, avoid the worry of unfamiliar smells turning off buyers and invading their entire perspective. If you have older carpet (or furniture) that carries a smell, replace it with new. If you have newer carpet, at least get it shampooed and cleaned. In addition open the windows to welcome in the fresh air, and opt for a bouquet of fresh flowers or a refreshing and mildly scented candle as visitors enter. Keep scents clean and never overpowering.