Maximizing Resale Value

When You Sell Your Home... It's the Little Things that Count You'll never recoup the value of a swimming pool, finished basement, or most other major improvements when you sell your house. In fact, such additions can often decrease its value in the eyes of some buyers. Instead, concentrate on two rooms that can help sell a house: The kitchen and bathroom. Even cheaper: Paint the front entrance and put a couple of pots of geraniums by the door. If rooms are even the slightest bit cluttered, remove some of the furniture. No matter what you have in your closets take at least half of it out. Remove at least half of what you have out on your kitchen counter. Clean the house thoroughly and keep the windows clean. Hire a cleaning service if you must. Tighten any loose knobs or faucets. Make sure the porch light and bell are working. Level and align kitchen cabinet doors. And just before the agent shows the house: Close the garage door. Park the kids and the pets with a neighbor. Minimize clutter - put away the kids' toys Turn on all the lights, and open all the curtains. Exception: Leave the curtains drawn if the window looks out on a wall with graffiti proclaiming, Crips Rule. If there's a smoker in the house, remove ashtrays and other evidence of tobacco. Use an air freshener if the house doesn't already smell fresh, but don't bother if there's a nice cooking aroma from the kitchen. (Try a drop of vanilla or cinnamon on a stove burner. Your home will be filled with the enticing aroma of baking cookies.) Turn off appliances. It's good however, to have very soft music playing in the background. Another useful hint: Print out this page and use it as checklist!

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