The eye can roam freely through a neutral palette, making the space feel more expansive.

If you have a vibrant hue on your walls, considerpainting over it with a neutral shade.

This lets potential buyers see themselves and their interests in the blank space.

Front of white house with pink front door

Credit: John Bessler

Lastly,take down wallpaper or bordersto make your home appeal to a broad range of potential buyers.

Complete Needed Repairs

If something needs repair, fix it.

Owner neglect will only lower the asking price or lengthen the time required to sell your house.

Living room with stone fireplace and white couches

Credit: Emily Followill

Make needed repairs before the first open house to save you stress and money in the long run.

Pack up unsightly or distracting items that are not necessary for the sale.

This includestoys, out-of-season clothing, and everything onkitchen counters.

front yard landscaping makeover home exterior driveway trees green

Sell items that won’t fit your new home’s size or style.

Freshen Your Landscaping

Keep thegrass nicely trimmedto give your yard a welcoming first impression.

Cut andtrim all treesand bushes so an overgrown landscape doesn’t distract from your home’s beauty.

linen closet storage shelving containers

Credit: Lincoln Barbour Photo

Welcome potential buyers with apot of flowerson your doorstep.

If you have a porch or a deck,clean outdoor furniture.

you’ve got the option to find several hardware options at home centers that are affordable and stylish.

Kitchen with white stove and patterned rug

Credit: John Bessler

Upgrade Your Flooring

Exposehardwood floorsto enhance the look and value of your home.

The popularity of hardwood floors is undeniable and can substantially raise your asking price.

Buyers are seeking out natural-looking surfaces for every space.

Kitchen with wooden floors and tall table

Credit: Jeff Herr

If you don’t have hardwood floors, install beigecarpetto make a home seem fresher.

Clean Your Home Thoroughly

An immaculate house is a sure selling point.

Reduce clutter and maximize the appearance of workspaces bycleaning countersof small appliances, food, and papers.

Cleaning supplies in wire basket

Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour

Rearrange Your Furniture

Make yourrooms seem largerby creating cleartraffic patternswith yourfurniture arrangement.

Traffic should be directed around the conversation core.

Also, when placing furniture in a room, pay attention to its visual weight, not just size.

living room furniture arrangement with fireplace

Light-color furniture or pieces with thin, tapered legs appear lighter than dark or boxyupholstered pieces.

Paint Your Front Door

Make a statement with acolorful front door.

Simple materials you likely already have on hand (paint, primer, and brushes) keep costs low.

bright yellow front door on house with blue siding and plants

Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Usewhiteor pale colors, whichincrease the brightness of a roomby reflecting light.

Keep window treatments simple and avoid blocking the windows with heavy layers of fabric.

High illumination isn’t necessary, and downlights will prevent glare.

Living room with white couches and blue accessories

Credit: Robert Brantley

Individually lit pavers can also be used tolight a pathway.

Dress Up Your Front Porch

Welcome buyers with a fewpots of seasonal plantsand a decorative door mat.

Check that steps and railings are stable and in good repair.

lighted solar lights along stone walking path

Credit: Marty Baldwin

porch yellow swing bold patterns colors decor

Credit: Blaine Moats