Don't Forget the Little Things

There is always the question whether you'll ever recoup the value of a swimming pool, finished basement, or most other major improvements when you sell your house. Instead, concentrate on two rooms that can help sell a house, the kitchen and bathroom.

Additional Less Expensive Ideas

1. Paint the front entrance and put a couple of pots of geraniums by the door.
2. If rooms are even the slightest bit cluttered, remove some of the furniture.
3. No matter what you have in your closets, take out at least half of it. Remove at least
4. half of what you have on your kitchen counter.
5. Clean the house thoroughly and keep the windows clean. Hire a cleaning service if
6. you must.
7. Tighten any loose knobs or faucets.
8. Make sure the porch light and bell are working.

And just before the agent shows the house:

1. Close the garage door.
2. Make arrangements for kids and pets to stay with a friend, neighbor, or relative.
3. Put away the kids' toys.
4. Turn on all the lights, and open all the curtains. Leave the curtains drawn if the window looks out on an unattractive view.
5. If there's a smoker in the house, remove ashtrays and other evidence of tobacco.
6. Use an air freshener if the house doesn't already smell fresh. But don't bother if there's a nice cooking aroma from the kitchen.
7. Turn off appliances. It's good, however, to have very soft music playing in the background.

(Reprinted with permission of NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®)