---
title: "Little Improvements = Big Returns"
url: https://eugenedignum.com/little-improvements-big-returns
description: "It's always a good idea to spruce up the exterior and interior of your home before listing it for sale. But that doesn't mean you have to undertake major and/or."
published: 2026-08-24
updated: 2026-08-24
---

# Little Improvements = Big Returns

Published 2026-08-24

Selling

It's always a good idea to spruce up the exterior and interior of your home before listing it for sale. But that doesn't mean you have to undertake major and/or expensive project.

Just a little effort will greatly increase the perceived value of your home. After all, if you wanted to undertake a large-scale project, you probably wouldn't be selling!

Here are some simple steps you can take to increase the perceived value of your home and make a great first impression.

## Exterior Appearance

- Keep lawns cut
- Trim hedges and shrubs
- Weed and edge gardens
- Clear driveway and clean up oil spills
- Clean out garage
- Power wash
- Touch up paint
- Plant colourful, inexpensive flowers in pots if necessary

## At the Front Door

- Clean porch and foyer
- Ensure door bell works
- Repair any broken screens
- Fresh paint or varnish front door
- Repair door locks and key access

## Create a Buying Mood

- Make sure your home smells fresh and clean
- Turn on lights
- Turn on air conditioner/heater
- Open the drapes
- Light the fireplace

## Create Space

- Clear halls and stairs of clutter
- Store surplus furniture
- Clear kitchen counter and stove top
- Clear closets of unnecessary clothing and stuff
- Remove empty boxes and containers
- Put away personal photos so buyers can envision the house as theirs

## Maintenance

- Repair leaking taps and toilets
- Clean furnace and filters
- Tighten door knobs and latches
- Repair cracked plaster
- Apply fresh coat of paint or touch up where necessary
- Clean and repair windows
- Repair seals around tubs and basins
- Replace defective light bulbs
- Oil squeaking doors
- Repair squeaking floor boards

## Squeaky Clean

- Clean and freshen bathrooms
- Clean fridge and stove (in and out)
- Clean around heating vents
- Clean washer and dryer
- Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds
- Eliminate pet odors and stains

## More in Selling

- [Seller's Guide](https://eugenedignum.com/sellers-guide)
- [Your Selling Plan](https://eugenedignum.com/Your-selling-plan)
- [Reasons to Sell Now](https://eugenedignum.com/Reasons-to-sell-now)
- [Common Selling Mistakes](https://eugenedignum.com/Common-selling-mistakes)
- [Home Staging Tips](https://eugenedignum.com/Home-staging-tips)
- [The Kitchen](https://eugenedignum.com/The-kitchen)
- [Great First Impression](https://eugenedignum.com/Great-first-impression)
- [Selling Your Home](https://eugenedignum.com/selling-your-home)

[All of Selling](https://eugenedignum.com/library/selling)