DIY Network

Increasing the Market Value of Your Home Increasing the Market Value of Your Home From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-109

Clean your home inside and out when preparing to sell the property. A survey by the Soap and Detergent Association reports many potential buyers don't see past the dirt and clutter in a home. When asked what makes the biggest impression on potential buyers when walking into a home for the first time, 51 percent responded cleanliness. The same survey asked what rooms should be cleaned if you want the house to sell -- 46 percent said the kitchen.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

• Kitchen sinks and fixtures should be sparkling clean.

• Bathrooms also make a big impression on potential buyers (figure A). Plumbing can be a huge issue if there are problems with the integrity of the pipes, so check to make sure they are in proper working order.

• Check for mold and mildew in the tub and shower.

• Check the walls for nail holes and other bumps (figure B). Walls should be smoothly plastered and freshly painted.

• When looking at each room in the house, check to see whether it has something that makes it unique, such as built-ins or crown moldings.

• As you tour the home, examine the floors. Check for scuffs and scratches and see whether they can be easily repaired.