BY CATHY HOBBS

A penthouse staged and ready for the sell. (Handout/TNS)

When it comes time to prepare a home for sale, there are a number of quick and affordable fixes that can help seal the deal, while some so-called improvements may sink a sale. When it’s time to put your home on the market, there are some definite do’s and don’ts.

DO:

• Give your home a fresh coat of paint. Freshly painted walls are one of the top selling features for potential buyers.
• Make minor repairs. Many homeowners see even minor repairs as worry and work.
• Kennel pets during showings. Many potential buyers will not purchase a home occupied by a pet.
• Consider replacing a roof. Many potential buyers view this as a big ticket item. The fact that your home has a new roof will be a selling feature.
• Repaint your home’s exterior. Typically every five to 10 years is a great time to repaint a home. Exterior fixes like replacing siding or repainting can go a long way.

DON’T:

• Install expensive finishes or fixtures for selling purposes. Many times potential buyers will want to add their own personal touch as far as improvements.
• Forget the power of home staging. Home staging is one of the most powerful selling tools in which a property is staged or styled in order to be presented in its best possible light.
• Forget to have your property professionally cleaned. This will make a huge visual impact.
• Forget the selling power of kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms still sell homes, so if you are looking for ideal places to place your investment dollars, this is a strong choice.
• Forget to neutralize and depersonalize, from removing personal paint or carpet colors to personal design choices. A neutral palette is most attractive for selling.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C.

Text and visual courtesy by Tribune News Service (TNS)

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