
How to Prep Your Home To Sell
Always remember the 60-Second Rule: That's all the time you have to create a winning first impression!
Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home's appeal.
Exterior
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Keep the grass cut and remove all yard clutter. 
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Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds. 
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Apply fresh paint to wooden fences. 
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Tighten and clean all door handles. 
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Clean windows inside and out. 
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Power-wash home's exterior. 
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Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning. 
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Paint the front door. 
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Buy a new welcome mat. 
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Place potted flowers near the front door. 
Interior
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Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove anything that interrupts "the flow" or makes the room appear smaller. Consider renting a storage unit to move items off-site. 
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Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves. 
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Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans. 
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Shampoo carpets. 
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Remove excessive wall hangings and knick-knacks. 
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Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps. 
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Make minor repairs (torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking). 
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Clean or paint walls and ceilings. 
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Replace worn cabinet and door knobs. 
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Fix or replace discolored grout. 
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Replace broken tiles. 
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Replace worn countertops. 
Special Details for Showings
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Turn on all the lights. 
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Open all drapes and shutters in the daytime. 
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Keep pets secured outdoors. 
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Buy new towels for bathrooms. 
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Buy new bedding for bedrooms. 
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Replace old lamps or lampshades. 
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Play quiet background music. 
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Light the fireplace or clean out the ashes and light a candelabrum. 
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Infuse home with a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla. 
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Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner party. 
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Vacate the property while it is being shown.