10 Ways to Make Your House More Salable

1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage.
2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.
3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.
4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke and pet smells. Open the windows.
5. Use higher wattage bulbs to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.
6. Make minor repairs. Small problems, such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking or a dripping faucet, may seem trivial, but will give buyers the impression that the house is not well maintained.
7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.
8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.
9. Clean your gutters.
10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.