If you are like many homeowners who are preparing to sell your house, your excitement about how much it has appreciated since you purchased it may have been dampened by the upgrades you feel you should do to maximize your profits. Don't be dismayed. If you have more time than money, our real estate agents have several suggestions to help you.

• Open Up the Space
  Begin by decluttering. Remove all personal display items like photographs, trophies, and memorabilia. Pack and store them for your move. But don't stop there. Pack and remove off-season clothes and shoes to make the closets appear more spacious. Remove sports equipment. Examine each shelf and cabinet throughout the house and attempt to remove half of the contents. Storage space is always a premium, and it is to your advantage to make it appear that there is ample room.
  
  
• Make It Sparkle
  A  scrupulously clean home is welcoming and indicates that the owners have taken care of the property. Make sure the drapes or curtains are open to let in the natural light during showings. Clean appliances thoroughly. Pay close attention to the floors. Wipe down the baseboards and vacuum. Steam clean the carpeting. If your flooring is dull or aging but you can't afford to replace it, consider a multi-surface floor cleaner that creates a shine for tile or a water-based polyurethane wood floor restorer. Clean upholstered furniture to make it smell fresh. 
  
  
• Paint Small Areas
  Painting the entire house can be costly, but small rooms, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms, can be revamped in a single day with little investment. Complete the look by changing switch plates and outlet covers, which have dulled with time to bright white options. Another low-cost option is new hardware for the sinks and tubs. 
  
  
• Stage the Furnishings
  Professional staging can be expensive, but if you spend some time reading about it, you can likely make a significant difference to the appeal of the home on your own. Too much or too large furniture will make the room appear small. Store large pieces to increase space. Arrange the furniture to highlight special features such as bay windows or fireplaces. Add plants to bring a sense of life to the room. Don't forget the scent. Air spray can trigger allergies, but lemon-scented cleaners, scented candles, and sachet bags in closets can make the rooms more pleasant. 
  
  
• Add Street-Side Charm
  Making a house more visually appealing to the people who drive by begins with cleaning. Bicycles, toys, and lawn equipment should all be out of sight. Rake and remove all leaves and other debris. Cut the grass and trim the hedges. Weed the garden, adding new mulch where necessary. Replace worn or broken pavers. Replace worn hardware on the doors. Consider painting the front door and possibly upgrading the garage door. Consider potted plants to brighten a boring entryway. A new porch light can take years off the appearance. Power washing the house's exterior may be a cost-effective alternative to painting. 

Our real estate professionals can offer more valuable advice about how to maximize the sale price of your home without breaking the bank. Don't hesitate to contact us if you are considering putting your house on the market.