When you own a home you are in a constant state of home improvement whether you realize it or not. More often than not something seems to always need improving, repair, replaced or tweaked a little. While these home improvements may seem like they all happen at the same time, we are usually fortunate enough to have them spread out over time. When it's time to sell your home, these home improvements seem to snowball if the home has not been kept up.

While your neighbor may think it is a good idea to sell your home as it is, research has shown that your home will sell faster and for a higher price if you do just a few DIY improvements to make it stand out.

DIY improvements before selling your home:

Clean and de-clutter is a great first step. If you don't do anything else, you must do this. It is very difficult for buyers to see themselves living in a home if they can't see the floor or the walls because there is so much stuff everywhere. Cleaning seems obvious but a true deep clean inside cabinets, bathrooms, and closets is really necessary. Discard or place in storage all items that you do not need or don't use daily. While you are cleaning and storing, de-personalizing a home is important to help the buyer envision how they will fit into the space. In addition, all guns, valuables or personal items should be locked away.

Curb appeal and the entrance to the home is very important. The saying “don't judge a book by its cover,” does not appeal to real estate. The front and back of the home should both look great. Make sure that the lawn is mowed and plant some flowers, Ensure the paint is relatively fresh and doors are free of cobwebs or dirt.

If something is broken, fix it. Door locks that are broken, missing roof shingles or a faucet that is leaking will be noticed by a prospective buyer and may lead them to believe that there other home maintenance tasks that have been neglected. Most buyers want their new home neat and in near mint condition.

A new coat of paint, both inside and outside, will make your house look fresh, clean and updated. It's like a "little botox" for your walls and will cover all the cracks, creaks and the occasional dent.

Flooring gets the most wear over any other piece of your home. If your flooring is screaming for some TLC, consider doing it before you put your house on the market. Carpet should be free from stains or damage. Tile and hardwood floors should be clean and free from cracks, and linoleum should be clean and free from holes or gouges.

Any roof damage should be repaired. Home buyers aren't just in the market for a roof over their head. They are looking for a roof that doesn't leak, sag or in need of repairs. Make sure that there aren't any shingles that need replacing.

De-odorize the home by removing anything that could potentially produce a less than desirable smell. If you have pets, all evidence, including cat boxes and beds, should be removed from the home before any buyers shows up. If there is a smoker in the house consider having them go outside the house to smoke. It may sound harsh, but smells, particularly tobacco odor, is one of the first thing a buyer will notice. Replace furnace filters and deep clean the bathroom and kitchen to get rid of any mold, mildew and bacteria.

The windows should be clean, and if necessary install, replacement windows. Look at the sills and if they are cracked or yellowing, paint them. Make sure that the blinds and curtains are clean and in good condition. If they aren't, consider replacing the window coverings to make them look great.

Right before you put your home on the market, have a professional decorator come in and do what is necessary to make your home sale ready. Professional sale decorators are trained to place items at the right location and attract attention to the right places to make your home stand out above the competition.

These DIY home improvements will go a long way in securing a buyer for your home.

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