Selling your home? What are some of the things the seller should focus on?

If you are selling your home, you have many things you should consider in increasing your homes visibility. Here are some recommendations to get your home ready for the market:

Curb appeal. Spruce up the entry with a good-looking front door, plant flowers, mow the lawn, add potted plants and put out a welcome mat. You can also update the exterior with new lighting if it looks dated or install landscape lighting. You want to make a good first impression.

Paint your house. Freshen up your home with a neutral paint such as grey, taupe or beige, which appeals to the widest range of buyers. Also consider drywall repairs for cracks or other damage that you may have overlooked.

Lighting. A light and bright interior is inviting. Make sure your lighting is working properly or update lighting fixtures to improve your home’s appearance if needed.

Windows. Make sure windows are functioning properly. Depending on the type of window, the mechanisms that allow the window to operate wear out and break. If the glass is clear and the framing in good condition, it’s probably worth fixing. You can lighten it up with new window treatments to bring in more light, especially if you have older heavy draperies.

Declutter. Clear the clutter and personal items from your home and remove excessive furniture. You want your home to look large enough to accommodate a buyer’s possessions, and you want buyers to see your home and its features, not your stuff.

Closets. Clean out your closets to about three quarters full so it looks like there is adequate closet space.

Update kitchens and baths. Focus on improving the appearance of these rooms, which are often most important to buyers. Consider new counters if needed, dress up cabinets with more modern knobs, add a tile backsplash or install a new faucet. In the bathroom, also make sure the mirror and towel bars look good. Cabinet drawers and doors may need adjustment or repair if they don’t slide or operate correctly or if doors are misaligned.

Deck or patio. Make sure your deck or patio is in good condition. Remove and replace rotted wood, pressure wash and re-stain if needed. Furnish the deck or patio for entertaining.

Although you may want to take on some tasks yourself, for many it might be time to call in the professionals to give your home a proper facelift. Mr. Handyman is here to assist you in anything that might be on your home inspection list.