How do I fix up my house to sell it!

Here a few improvement tips to help you before you put your house on the market which may help you to sell it. You may get a quicker sale and better return on your investment.

Clean up your yard. Clear all the debris and neatly trim the lawn and shrubs. Wash the driveway and sidewalk. Pull the weeds from between the cracks. If necessary, patch the crumbled and cracked spots with a cement patch from your hardware store. Re-paint and repair fences and gates.

Look carefully at the exterior of your home, including the roof and the foundation. If there are cracks in the foundation, repair them. Replace damaged shingles and flashing. Clean out your downspouts and gutters. If your siding has peeling paint, touch it up. You may not want to invest in repainting the entire house, but if it is needed your return will be greater on your selling price.

Make sure that all windows are clean, inside and out. Replace bad screens or cracked window panes. Are your shutters in good shape, or do they need repairs? Wash inside windowsills and draperies.

Have your entryways look clean and inviting. Make sure the doorbell and outside light are in working condition.

Have the inside of your home look as spotless and spacious as possible. Clean up clutter and get rid of excess of raggedy furniture. Work on your closets to make them look roomy. Try to arrange the rest of the furniture so that the rooms appear larger than they are.

Clean your rugs and carpets and wax your floors. If the carpets are badly worn, replace them with a neutral color. Make sure your walls and ceilings are free of smudges, dents, or cracks. If necessary, paint them. Look carefully at your woodwork and wallpaper and repair if necessary.

Have kitchens and bathrooms sparkling clean! No leaking faucets either. Clean up countertop clutter. Get rid of stains in sinks, toilets, and tubs. Replace caulking around tubs and showers if necessary.

Have your garage, attic and/or basement organized. Get rid of cobwebs.

Don't neglect little repairs like loose doorknobs, sticking doors or windows or warped drawers in bathrooms. Tighten loose banisters and have your steps be clutter free. Make sure all light fixtures and sockets work. Replace switch plates which have become cracked or discolored.

Make sure your stove and oven and refrigerator are clean. Even if you don't plan to leave them behind, a potential buyer might be impressed by your overall cleanliness and not look too hard at other things.

Try to put yourself in the place of someone who has never seen your house before, and walk through looking at it in that way.

Good luck selling your home!