8 Tips for Showing the Inside of Your Home at its Best.

Last time, I shared eight easy tips that I give my clients to increase their home's curb appeal — and how those simple suggestions could add thousands to its value and cut the time it takes to sell.  So now that your fabulous exterior has drawn in our potential buyers, what else can we do to impress them?  Here are some ways to fix up the appearance of your home's interior without investing a lot of money:

1. Fresh Paint — The best investment you can make for the biggest impact is a fresh coat of paint, and it's a fact that neutral colors sell.  They not only convey quality, but present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning the home with their own style. 

2. De-Clutter the Kitchen — Kitchens sell homes.  Keep countertops free of clutter, clean out the refrigerator, remove anything displayed on its doors, degrease the oven, and keep the sink shining.  Shelves and pantries should be orderly to show adequate storage space.  

3. Deep Clean Bathrooms — Make sure your bathrooms sparkle.  Clear all countertops of unnecessary clutter by removing all personal toiletry items.  Dripping faucets and leaky toilets can suggest to buyers that you may not be maintaining the house in other ways, so make sure to tackle these small repairs.  Replace discolored or damaged caulking, and set out a fresh new rug.  

4. Start Packing — We love our homes to reflect our memories, hobbies and values, but the more personal items we display, the harder it is for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the home.  So start your packing early by de-cluttering and de-personalizing by at least half.

5. Brighten Entryways — Shampoo the rug or scrub and wax the floor.  Add a fresh area rug and make sure it has a nonskid surface for safety.  Hang a mirror to make your entry look larger and brighter.

6. Organize Closets — Organize the contents to make your closets appear larger. Donate unwanted items to charity and store what's left in stackable plastic totes to maintain a neat, tidy appearance.  Tighten loose doorknobs, oil squeaky hinges and make sure the doors open and close smoothly. 

7. Tidy Up Garage, Basement and Attic — This is the time to sort through all the junk and decide what to keep and what to give away. Use easy-to-assemble storage shelves to stow tools and sporting goods; wall hangers for garden hose, blowers and other equipment. 

8. Accentuate Lighting — Show your home in its best light by replacing burned out bulbs and cleaning fixtures to get rid of dead bugs and cobwebs.  Consider replacing dated fixtures in the most visible locations.  Open the drapes and blinds to let in natural light.

When you're ready to sell your home, it's so important to make sure potential buyers see it at its best.  The first impression is the only impression so “stage” your home to look warm and inviting.  A little time and effort now will pay big dividends at closing.   Now you know the inside scoop with these simple and easy interior improvements.