Spend A Little Get A Lot!

• Improve safety by ensuring that windows and doors can’t slam shut; fixing loose handrail on porches, decks, and stairways; and removing dangerous tools, sharp objects and hazardous materials from the garage.


• Rent a bank safe deposit box to store cash and small valuables as long as your house is being shown.


• Consider replacing hinges and springs on the garage door. They’re relatively inexpensive and improve safety.


• If you’re three or four months away from marketing your house, consider reseeding the lawn instead of laying sod. Reseeding takes longer, but is much less expensive than sod.


• Replacing a cracked and broken walkway with cement stepping stones purchased from a home improvement store is an inexpensive but attractive way to create a new path to the front door.


• Your house should be comparable to others in the neighborhood. For example, if most of your neighbors have granite counter tops or tiled floors, consider upgrading yours.


• Begin the repair process by making your own home inspection. Walk around the yard and through the house and take notes about the problem areas, needed repairs, items to discard or store, and things to replace.


• Crayon and marker on walls require treatment before painting the room. Sand the marked area with sandpaper; seal it with shellac and then paint over the spot. This will enable the paint to stick and cover the marks.


• As you self-inspect your home, make notations on Post-it Notes and stick them in the area that needs attention. This gives an instant visual reminder of what needs to be done in each room.
• Use the proper type of paint for each surface you need to cover. Kitchen and bathrooms require paint that can withstand heat and moisture. Consult a professional at a paint store for advice.
• Create an information booklet containing property tax statements; records of maintenance, service work, warranty work and improvements made to the house; utility bills; and warranties for the roof, pool, spa, electrical systems and major appliances.
• Immediately before showing the house, make the home inviting by cleaning windows, opening the drapes, turning on lights and playing soft music.
• Keep under-the-bed storage containers handy for last minute clean up. Fill them with clutter and shove them out of sight.
• Light a couple of lightly scented candles to give a feeling of warmth and add a nice aroma
• If basement stairs lack a handrail, then add one. It’s safer and, in most states, required by law.
• Revitalize a tree or bush by trimming dead leaves and branches.
• Get rid of odors by cleaning drapes and carpets, scooping out the cat’s litter box daily, and emptying ashtrays each day.
• Keep a log of all improvements made and appliances purchased so you can remember what to include in the real estate listing.
• Adding closet organizers, building shelves, and adding rooms are not cost effective and won’t add to the sale price of the house.
• To save money, fix a leaking roof instead of replacing it.
• Professional window cleaners suggest donning rubber gloves then washing windows with a commercial window cleaner and newspaper. The newsprint creates extra sparkle.