With the fast pace we live in today, the excitement of owning a new home quickly fades. Once we move on and get back to keeping up with our hectic lives, keeping our houses in order takes a backseat.

Of course, there are times when neglect of home maintenance is unavoidable, when we do this, it can bring us even more problems. This really comes out when we list a house for sale. But you do have a few options that will help bring your home up to date without breaking the bank.

First of all, a little gardening really does make a difference. Get rid of your trash, mow your lawn, redo your flower beds, and maybe add a few. It’s truly amazing what a difference little things can make.

The next thing is to wash the house inside and out. Washing it outside is something sellers often neglect, but it would help to heed this advice. If washing doesn’t help, then it might be time to paint. Consider using a nice neutral color when painting the exterior.

Once the exterior looks good, turn your attention to the interior. Go through the entire house, throwing away old things that are not necessary. Give your home a basic ‘clutter’. Rearrange furniture in a better way and create more empty space in your rooms to make them appear larger.

Clean the carpets. This makes a big difference in the first impression of a potential buyer. Also clean your rugs, either with shampoo or take them to the dry cleaner. It’s amazing how much dirt and dust settles on your carpets and what a difference cleaning makes.

If your budget is small, give the most attention to your kitchen and bathrooms. Both rooms will be the standard of cleanliness attributed to your home by potential buyers. Clean faucets, cabinets, and all fixtures. You could even paint or refinish your cabinets to make them look really clean and refreshed.

One last thing you may want to do is replace all your old light bulbs with brighter, more energy efficient bulbs. Well-lit homes are homey and welcoming, which also makes a big difference when it comes to getting the sales price. Remember that the first impression is always going to be a very important part of what makes buyers make a decision. So work on this long before you show your house.

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