Home Improvement Tips Clean & Clutter Free Clean your home top to bottom Remove clutter from rooms and closets Keep bookshelves, entertainment units organized neatly Clean the entryway to create buyers first impression Clean all appliances inside and out Clean all curtains, drapes and blinds Keep windows and screens clean Empty trash cans and recycling bins Exterminate any insect problems Eliminate pet odors Clean and organize garage Remove oil stains from garage floor Pre-pack items which may clutter your home Have a garage sale before the home is listed Kitchen & Bathrooms Clean sinks, toilets and tubs Clean or replace shower curtain Replace toilet seat Replace missing tiles and clean tile grout Caulk where needed in tub, toilet and sink areas Make sure that there are no leaky faucets Clean and organize contents in cabinets and drawers Refinish kitchen cabinets Tighten or replace loose doorknobs Create counter space in kitchen Repaint if color is outdated Flooring & Walls Replace old doors Install new blinds Wash baseboards and walls Replace worn or outdated wallpaper Spray lubricant on all squeaking doors and cabinets Whitewash dark paneling Clean or Replace switch plates Replace nonfunctioning door knobs and locks Polish all interior woodwork Steam clean stained carpet Replace worn carpet with neutral colors Install thick padding under carpet Replace linoleum floor with neutral colors Polish hardwood floors Remove unsightly or worn throw rugs Plumbing & Electrical All toilets should be in good working order Clean up or replace old plumbing fixtures Replace rusted and corroded plumbing pipes Inspect, clean and change filter of furnace Make sure faucets are in good working order Have your well and septic inspected and repaired Make sure that all smoke and burglar alarms are functional Repair broken doorbell Service sprinkler system Replace outdated or non functioning appliances Make sure ceiling fans are clean and functional Make sure the garage door opener functions properly Painting All woodwork should be repainted and or stained Paint over any rust spots or streaks on downspouts Paint shutters, make sure they are hung straight Have leaks repaired & watermarks covered Make sure that cracks in ceiling are repaired and painted Paint interior walls light neutral colors Paint outside of house and trim with neutral colors Paint or replace front door and garage door Repair and repaint fences and outbuildings Clean windows and remove any overspray paint Home Staging Keep curtains open and use natural light as much as possible Place vases of colorful, fresh flowers throughout the house Leave lights on in the evening Clean fireplace and prepare with logs for display Lock pets up away from home during showings Turn on outdoor lighting and porch light at night Remove all unnecessary articles in garage, basement or attic Remove magnets and notes from refrigerator Remove personal possessions, like photos and mementos Set the dining room table for a dinner party Place a solid deodorizer in each room and closet. Lighting Increase the wattage of light bulbs Clean all light fixtures Replace outdated light fixtures Clean existing shutters, blinds or drapes Install new blinds Paint ceiling white for more light Install outdoor lighting Clean all windows, inside and out Clean skylight for leaves and other debris Make sure all outdoor lighting works Prune outside trees to allow natural light inside Landscaping Trim trees, hedges and shrubs Water your lawn regularly Plant colorful flowers Place flowers in pots near front door Keep the firewood neatly stacked Mow, trim, fertilize and water lawn Rake fallen leaves Remove unnecessary items such as gardening equipment Remove weeds and dead or dying plants or flowers Re-sod bare spots on lawn Curb Appeal Powerwash siding, decks, driveway, walkways Buy a new mailbox and new address numbers Replace welcome mat at the doorway Fix any loose boards on porch or deck Clean and repair gutters and downspouts Keep trash area clean and organized Clean outdoor furniture Keep walks, steps and driveway obstacle-free Remove debris and personal items on deck and porch Replace torn screens from windows and front and back doors. Useful Links House Facts Home Maintainance