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Fixing Up the House Interior
Plumbing and Fixtures
All your sink fixtures should look shiny and new. If this
cannot be accomplished by cleaning, buy new ones where needed.
If you don't buy something fancy, this can be accomplished
inexpensively and they are fairly easy to install. Make sure
all the hot and cold water knobs are easy to turn and that
the faucets do not leak. If they do, replace the washers.
It is not difficult at all.
Check to make sure you have good water pressure and that there
are no stains on any of the porcelain. If you have a difficult
stain to remove, one trick is to hire a cleaning crew to go
through and clean your home on a one-time basis. They seem
to be wonderful at making stains go away.
Ceilings, Walls and Painting
Check all the ceilings for water stains. Sometimes old leaks
leave stains, even after you have repaired the leak. Of course,
if you do have a leak, you will have to get it repaired, whether
it is a plumbing problem or the roof leaks.
You should do the same for walls, looking for not only stains,
but also areas where dirt has accumulated and you just may
not have noticed. Plus, you may have an outdated color scheme.
Painting can be your best investment when selling your home.
It is not a very expensive operation and often you can do
it yourself. Do not choose colors based on your own preferences,
but based on what would appeal to the widest possible number
of buyers. You should almost always choose an off-white color
because white helps your rooms appear bright and spacious.
Carpet and Flooring
Unless your carpet appears old and worn, or it is definitely
an outdated style or color, you probably should do nothing
more than hire a good carpet cleaner. If you do choose to
replace it, do so with something inexpensive in a fairly neutral
color.
Repair or replace broken floor tiles, but do not spend a lot
of money on anything. Remember, you are not fixing up the
place for yourself. You want to move. Your goal is simply
to have as few negative impressions upon those who may want
to purchase your property.
Windows and Doors
Check all of your windows to make sure they open and close
easily. Make sure there are no cracked or broken windowpanes.
If there are, replace them before you begin showing your home.
Do the same things with the doors - make sure they open and
close properly, without creaking. If they do, a shot of oil
on the hinges usually makes the creak go away. Be sure the
doorknobs turn easily, and that they are cleaned and polished
to look sharp. As buyers go from room to room, someone opens
each door and you want to do everything necessary to create
a positive impression.
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