Fixing up your home before putting it on the market could help you sell it faster and/or for more money. Sellers often ask if it’s worth it and the short answer is yes. If you take the time to evaluate your home and make sure you’re putting its “best foot forward,” you increase your home’s appeal and thereby increase the perceived value of your home.

When you sell your home, even if you don’t want to do much to it before you list, there are certain minimal items that should be done before you list it. I could be the difference between getting a “retail price” offer on your home or if you get a “bargin-bin” offer.

When you’re preparing to put your home on the market, walk through your home with a notepad and create a list of all the areas which need improvement. Some of the areas that can create a positive impression of a well-looked-after house include:

Fences

Are they in good condition? Do they need vines pulled away, a paint job, or any repairs?

Lawn & Yard

Is it lush and tidy? Does it need a re-seeding or landscaping? Are the plants trimmed and garden beds weeded? Would planting some flowers and pots of color add some wow factor?

Pathways

Are there any cracks that need repair? Would paving paint give it a facelift? Should you add any stepping-stone walkways into the garden?

Front door

Is a new door required, or does it need to be painted?

Windows

Are they clean and do the surrounds need filling or painting?

Exterior

Does it need to be pressure-washed or repainted?

Interior walls

Are they freshly painted in neutral tones? Are any touch-ups or patching needed?

Flooring

Are the carpets clean and in good condition? Are there floorboards underneath which can be polished? Is all of the tile and grout clean and in good condition? Are there any hollow spots under tile that need filling or cracked tiles in need of replacement?

Kitchen

Are the cabinets in good condition? Would painting them or installing new hardware improve and modernize the space? Would replacing the countertop make it look contemporary? Is new, modern lighting required to update and brighten the space? Should different bulbs be used in existing lighting?

Bathrooms

Are the tiles in good shape? Does the grouting need to be cleaned or replaced? If the tiles are dated, would they be better painted with tile paint?

Laundry

Is there ample storage and useful counter space? Would the addition of a folding table or similar add to the efficiency of the space?

Pool

Is it clean, properly fenced, and surrounding areas furnished with an inviting setting? Have all toys, floats and other unused equipment been stored and/or put away?

You’d be surprised how much this checklist can help you put yourself in the shoes of your prospective buyer. By seeing your home through their eyes, you can better manage your expectations for your sale and maximize your home’s perceived value to potentially increase your bottom line.

Article adapted from content provided by Liliana Warr of Showhomes Tampa Bay