step #5: Be a Handyman (or Woman!)

NOW is the time to start working on those little projects you've been putting off!

In your mind you may feel that after all your cleaning and decluttering the little jobs should be easy enough for the new buyer to fix up. They WON'T! Little things, even if they are not a serious problem, will add up in the buyer's mind and leave them with the impression that A) the house has not been maintained well (meaning there could be WORSE problems they can't see) and B) they will have to be bothered with the repairs instead of being able to move in and get settled right away.

In either case, you are not doing your best to attract TOP DOLLAR offers, are you? So get out your tool box and repair the loose cabinet door, replace the missing baseboard and fix the leaky tap.

Don't forget bigger jobs either - what you pay now could be the difference between a good offer or a low one or even none at all! Watch for mold, cracked pavement, rotting wood and missing drainpipes. If you're buyers don't notice these things the home inspector will and if the offer stands they will likely ask for discounts to pay for these repairs.

Doing your best to make a great first impression will always pay off. Remember that each job you do is money in your pocket at the end of the day and stay motivated!

Up Next: Curb Appeal!