Financial Answer Center

A home is, for most of us, the biggest investment of our lives. When it comes time to sell, we should do all we can to protect that investment. A bit of attention to detail can add hundreds if not thousands to the price you get for your home—with minimal expenditure. Here's a checklist of items to consider:

• Paint trim & shutters
• Wash aluminum siding & windows
• Replace loose or damaged shingles
• Clean gutters
• Repair holes in screen doors & windows
• Get rid of clutter & unneeded furniture
• Prune shrubbery / plant small evergreens
• Plant inexpensive flowers along entry-way
• Keep lawn mowed and well-manicured
• Replace rusty mailbox
• Replace old doorknobs & cabinet pulls
• Replace broken window panes
• Brighten up rooms—use lighter curtains
• Increase light bulb wattage
• Clean carpeting / remove pet odors
• Keep porcelain fixtures shining
• Repair leaky faucets & toilets
• Keep appliances clean
• Repair holes, scratched woodwork, moldings, paint flaws
• Keep backyard clean & orderly
• Keep fresh flowers inside the home
• Keep immaculate bathrooms & kitchen
• Clean out closets—lose the clutter
• Use air fresheners and light colored towels
• Oil squeaky doors / replace switch plates
• Buy a new doormat & trash cans