What home preparation tips get the most bang for the buck?
Sellers Answers

The following things listed in order of importance will help you sell the home. You must absolutely do items one thru four. If on a limited budget, do as many of the next few things you can.

1. Thoroughly clean every nook and cranny of the home including, windows, closets and garage.(maintain daily)
2. Get rid of clutter in the home, organize drawers, closets, attic and garage. (rent a storage unit if necessary)
3. Make sure all light sockets have working bulbs in them.
4. Clear off kitchen and bath counters. You want to give the impression of lots of surface area.
5. Repaint the interior with neutral colors (earth tones) or at least touch-up existing paint.
6. Replace or professionally clean the carpet.
7. Remove any pet or smoke odors from the home. (refrain from smoking inside if possible).
8. Replace or re-stain front door.
9. Landscape the front yard or plant flowers, weed and mulch beds, trim hedges. (maintain weekly)
10. Clean and re-caulk all tiled areas in kitchen and baths. (remove all stains)
11. Pressure wash exterior brick, siding, concrete, decking, to remove stains and mildew.
12. Replace rotten wood on the exterior and re-paint.
13. Update entry with new tile or hardwoods.
14. Update non-carpeted flooring with new tile or hardwoods. (earth tones)
15. Replace aged roofing (if necessary).
16. Replace aged heating and cooling equipment (if necessary).
17. Replace aging water heater.
18. Landscape Backyard.
19. Paint or replace kitchen cabinets.
20. Update kitchen with new appliances and/or counter-tops, flooring.
21. Update and/or enlarge master bath.
22. Update all other bathrooms.
23. Repair or replace any other component of the home not in working order.