What are some of the best ways to improve the value of my home?
Whether selling your home or not, addressing deferred maintenance and safety items, such as routine cleaning/inspections of heating and plumbing, is always important to keep on the list. Sellers in the current market may be fortunate regarding not having to make significant updates to their homes before putting them on the market. With less inventory to choose from, buyers need to be realistic that they can’t expect state-of-the-art appliances or the most up to date décor. But even in this “Hot Market” nothing beats a decluttered, freshly painted and most importantly a squeaky-clean home. These three basics are low cost, quickly accomplished and something you can do yourself. So, empty your closets, cut down on excess furnishings, take a weekend or two to apply some fresh paint in neutral colors and clean, clean, clean! The end result will be more showings, more offers and more money than you imagined. 
— CHRIS VON TRAPP
COLDWELL, BANKER, HICKOK & BOARDMAN