How to Make a Good First Impression with Your Home

Whether you’re looking to sell or just want to show pride of ownership, these are simple ways to make a good first impression with your home:

• LIGHTING: Use bright but warm lightbulbs throughout the house for a warm, inviting feel. Make sure dark areas feature a lighting source of some type, like a floor lamp.
• SEASONAL OUTDOOR DECOR: Keep it seasonal and keep it tasteful. Good springtime ideas include potted flowers at the entry, colorful garden flags here and there, a clean welcome mat, a fountain, and a springtime door wreath.
• TIDY UP: There is nothing like a deep spring cleaning to make a home sparkle, both inside and out. Outside, make sure to cut back dead foliage, sweep and rake.  Inside make sure to declutter, dust, vacuum, mop and scrub. Don’t forget the stove. Make sure to wipe down appliances like the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.
• AROMATHERAPY: Open windows and replace stale winter air with fresh air. Plug in some scented oils throughout the home.
• REPAINT THE FRONT DOOR: This has a huge impact and goes a long way to revitalizing the front entry area. This is the first place most people notice as they are preparing to enter a home, so make sure it says what you want it to say about your home.
• ELIMINATE EXTRANEOUS STUFF: Now is the time to go through closets and cabinets and get rid of things you don’t need or use.
• INTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS: Revamp your interior look for the season with colorful pillows, throws, and a change of bedding that fits with the warmer weather and longer days to come.
• MAINTENANCE: Make a checklist of things that need repair. It’s better to take care of problems before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems.
• FRESHEN THE PAINT: You may have rooms that would benefit from a fresh coat of paint, or a different paint color altogether. And don’t forget the baseboards – either wipe them down or repaint them for a fresh new look.  A new paint job is often the least expensive ROI you can achieve with your home.

Once your home is sparkling from roof to foundation, you can sit back and truly enjoy spring and all the promise it brings for the fun days ahead.