When selling a house in a market flooded with houses, it is especially important to make a good impression on a buyer the first time they view it.  A buyer today has many choices and if you want them to buy your house it needs to stand out above the rest.

Here are a few simple and fairly inexpensive home improvement ideas to help you achieve  the best price and shortest time on the market when selling a house. Curb appeal is one of the biggest attractants to most buyers so start outside.

1. Mow the law, prune bushes, remove dead branches and get rid of outdoor furniture you don’t intend to move.
2. Paint the front door and sidelights, or at least clean them up.
3. Check for leaks. A drip may not seem important, but it does suggest poor maintenance in places which can’t be seen. Eliminate buyer worries and fix the little items which may be seen as clues relating to the general condition of the home.
4. Clean out closets and storage areas. Donate old clothes and furniture to local charities. This will create a sense of greater space—and mean less to move.
5. Have a professional service clean carpets. This is especially important if the carpets are to stay.
6. Caulk around tubs and sinks. New caulk invariably looks better than old caulk, and you’ll also prevent leaks.
7. Replace bulbs that don’t work and use as much wattage as is appropriate for each fixture. Bright lights make homes seem, well, light and airy.
8. Have a lot of books and magazines that you don’t want? See if you can donate to a local library, hospital or charity. You’ll get both more space and a write-off.
9. Remove anything in the house that will surprise visitors. As an example, mirrors in poorly-lit basements can be dangerous. Look at the property from the perspective of a first-time visitor. Things which are known to you may be uncomfortable to visitors.
10. Clean out medicine cabinets. If you have prescription medicines, consider removing them when buyers visit.
11. People have both allergies and concerns when it comes to animals. If you have a pet, make arrangements to have it elsewhere when a home is being shown and remove unsightly litter boxes and scoop the yard.

Homes in a given location and price range battle for a common pool of buyers. Ask me to examine your property for specific showing tips to make your home more competitive. Feel free to comment if you have a home improvement idea you think could help other sellers.