Cherry Hill Realty
Interior
09.06.10
Interior
Start with a full housecleaning from top to bottom. Don't let dirt and clutter obscure your home's good points. Discard unused and unnecessary items in storage areas and closets. Eliminating clutter will give your home a more spacious look.

  1. Walls should be clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and dents. Consider a fresh coat of paint if a good washing does not do the trick. Inspect wood work and wallpaper for problem areas.
  2. Arrange furniture to make each room appear more spacious and attractive. If a piece of furniture is badly worn, store it temporarily in the attic or at your neighbor's.
  3. Wash windows and sills until sparkling clean. Curtains and drapes should be freshly laundered.
  4. Shampoo rugs and carpets. Floors should be waxed.
  5. Repair loose doorknobs, sticking doors and windows, and warped drawers.
  6. Fix leaky faucets and eliminate water discoloration in sinks.
  7. Tighten loose stair banisters, and be sure steps are free of objects.
  8. Light fixtures should be in good repair. Replace discolored or cracked switchplates.
  9. Clean out closets to display their roominess. Be sure clothes are hung neatly and shoes and other objects tidily arranged.
  10. Bathrooms should be sparkling clean. Repair caulking in tubs and showers.
  11. Bedrooms should appear neat with attractive spreads and curtains.
  12. Clean and organize the basement, attic and garage.

Don't Over Improve

Many families tend to learn to live with a broken doorknob and cracked window. All these little things should be fixed because no prospective buyer wants to do the things you have let stack up.

Use caution in planning major improvements that you think will enable you to get more for the house than you paid for it. Of course, an investment in a paint job where it is obviously needed will be well worth the cost. The same is true with carpeting that is shabby enough to be a turn off.

Most people out shopping for a house would rather plan their own major changes, and you are usually wiser to sell them the potential at a price they can afford.