Address Maintenance Items

Fix everything that a buyer or inspector will notice. Common pre-listing repairs that prevent inspection surprises:

• Leaking faucets and running toilets

• HVAC filter replacement and annual service

• Re-caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks

• Touch-up painting on walls, trim, and doors

• Replace burned-out light bulbs (including in closets and exterior fixtures)

• Ensure all doors and windows open and close properly

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Maximize Light and Space

Light and space are the most universally appealing qualities in a home. Before every showing and for photography:

• Open all curtains and blinds

• Replace dim bulbs with brighter, daylight-spectrum LED bulbs

• Maximize open floor space — move or store excess furniture

• Neutralize paint colors if they are bold or highly personalized — a light warm white or greige reads as more spacious and universally appealing

Curb Appeal

Half of a buyer's first impression is formed before they walk through the front door. Mow the lawn, edge the beds, add fresh mulch, trim overgrown shrubs, clear the walkway, and address any peeling paint on the exterior, shutters, or front door. A new mailbox and updated front door hardware are inexpensive improvements that signal quality and maintenance to an approaching buyer.