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 Here
are five tried-and-true tactics recommended by real estate agents
to give your home an immediate face-lift. They'll cost you little
- except, perhaps, some time - but are guaranteed to bring big returns
when the FOR SALE sign goes up on the lawn.
- Saturday 1: Tidy it up!
Hold a garage sale to dispose of unwanted and unused furniture
and appliances, odds and ends you've been saving for a rainy day,
and generally anything you haven't used in the last five years.
Weed out every closet mercilessly (you'll thank yourself when
you start packing!) and don't forget the garage. Keep only the
things you use regularly. Your home will look more organized,
more spacious and more inviting.
- Saturday 2: Fix it up!
Take care of all the little maintenance tasks you never seem to
have time for. Go through the house, room by room, and make a
list. Open every door and window, turn on every faucet and check
every lamp.
Repair leaky faucets, oil squeaky hinges, tighten loose doorknobs,
make sure windows and doors open and close smoothly, and change
the burnt light bulbs. Buyers notice.
- Saturday 3: Spruce it up!
It's amazing how much better your home can look with a fresh coat
of paint and how much value it can add, for little cost. You don't
have to repaint everything, but do consider freshening up the
rooms that need it most. Use neutral colours inside.
Outside, a gallon of paint on exterior trim, wooden stairs and
bannisters can also do wonders for your home's appearance. Label
left-over paint cans for the new owners.
- Saturday 4: Pretty it up!
Curbside appeal is big drawing card for home buyers. Not only
is it the first thing they notice when they arrive, it's the face
they'll present to the world if they buy.
Make the most of this opportunity and spend a Saturday tending
to your lawn and garden. Mow the grass, trim the hedges, plant
some flowers and weed the garden. Make sure the driveway and walkways
are clear and obstacle-free. Your efforts won't go unnoticed.
- Saturday 5: Clean it up!
Now that you've been through cupboards and removed all the needless
clutter, get everyone in the family involved and clean the house
from top to bottom.
Make sure everything sparkles and - here's the hard part - vow
to keep it that way! Make sure beds are made and dishes are done
before you leave for work in the morning. Interested buyers might
stop by on short notice.
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