UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS

FENCE | Missing stakes or slats are eyesores, yet are usually inexpensive and easy to fix. Repair, paint or stain the fence as necessary.

ROOF | Remove visible debris. Make sure the gutters are clean. Remove any tree branches bearing on the roof. Powerwash if possible.

AIR CONDITIONERS & COOLERS | Repaint or replace any rusted exposed metal. Correct improper draining.

PATIO | A nice spread of outdoor furniture looks very appealing. Repair, clean or repaint outdoor furniture and cushions as needed. Add flowering plants. If there is a table, stage it by adding outdoor plates, cups and an ice bucket so prospective buyers can visualize themselves enjoying the space.

SWIMMING POOL | Adjust the pool’s chemicals to ensure sparkling clear water. Store chemicals and tools neatly. Keep filtration equipment dust and cobweb free.

WINDOWS | Clean windows are an absolute necessity if a house is to look its best, yet this is very often overlooked. Replace any cracked or broken panes. Repair or replace torn or bent screens. As a last resort, remove screens entirely. No screens are better than unsightly ones. Note the foliage near windows. A window framed in ivy can give a warm, homey feeling, but cut it back if the foliage is restricting the light coming into the room. Drapery rods should be affixed firmly to walls and work smoothly. Draperies should be clean and hang properly.

DOORS | Repair or replace doors with holes in them. An option for extreme damage is to cover a hole with a mirror or piece of paneling. Check to see that all doors open and close freely, including closet, patio or sliding glass doors. Oil any squeaky doors. Thoroughly clean the doors. Tighten the hardware and knobs on doors, as well as kitchen and bath cabinets.

FLOORS | Repair or replace missing or damaged pieces of tile, and polish if needed. Repair any loose stair tread plates or carpeting on stairways. Steam cleaning is the best answer for soiled carpet. Shampooing seldom does the job well enough. If pet odors are present, be sure to clean the carpet some time before the home is placed on the market to be sure that the odors have been eliminated. Loose carpet should be anchored properly.