Another important part of your home prep is taking a closer look at the roof. Even the best upgrades inside won’t convince a buyer if you have a structural issue like a leaky or damaged roof. If your roof has noticeable wear and tear or missing shingles, it’s probably worth getting an estimate for replacement. If the cost is more than you can afford, consider offering credit to any buyer who makes an offer.

Choosing to replace the roof before you put the house up for sale can instill more confidence in a buyer. It’s appealing to buy a house that won’t need an expensive repair right away. When an appraiser looks at your home, he or she will look at the roof. If any potential buyers are planning to finance the house purchase with a VA or FHA loan, the appraiser might require a roof replacement as a condition of the financing.

Your house should look and feel inviting to anyone who comes to see it. Curb appeal is essential, but landscaping isn’t the only way to improve it. Bring in a real estate agent to look at the outside from a new perspective. He or she can tell you what needs to be done to make the house look more inviting. Use a power washer to clean the siding of the house. It’s easy to rent a power washer or other necessary exterior home tool for a short time. Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door.

If you neglect the outside of your house, buyers might think you don’t care as much about it. Even if you do maintain the inside well, some buyers may not make it through the front door if the home doesn’t feel very appealing from the street. Your house should also be easy to find. If the numbers are wearing out, pick up a new set of house numbers to put on the outside for better visibility. Painting your door can also add to the appeal.

The flooring in your house is another important thing to consider. When someone first walks inside, he or she will notice the floors first. Worn-out flooring can make the rest of the house look outdated, which means buyers may not make it too far past the first phase of looking. Replacing the floors may not be the only option; look at ways you can breathe new life into the flooring you have. A steam-cleaning machine can freshen up vinyl or laminate. A carpet cleaner can get stains out of plush flooring and make it look like new again.

If the flooring is in terrible shape, consider replacing it. A flooring upgrade doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Wood plank tiles and laminate options look nice but don’t cost nearly as much as other styles of flooring. New carpeting will also offer that appealing smell, which can make a buyer more interested.

For some buyers, it’s impossible to look past certain cosmetic aspects of a house they don’t like. One of these things is the colors of the walls. Although it may not seem like a deal-breaker, a bright paint color could deter someone from even coming to look at your house. When buyers walk into a home, they want to envision their stuff on the walls. Family photos, art, and other mementos are harder to picture on a bright wall.

Go through your home and take a closer look at the walls. Even if you love that bold red shade in the kitchen or bright pink in your daughter’s room, someone else might not. Repaint with neutral colors to make space feel appealing to a broader audience. You don’t want to rule someone out as a buyer just because he or she can’t get past the wall colors you chose. Adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls will also be a good selling point, so it’s worth the time and money.

Do you have parts of your home that feel a bit like an episode of “Hoarders”? Cluttered storage spaces and rooms will make your house feel a lot smaller than it is. When buyers come to the house, one of the major things many are looking for is how much storage space is available. People have a lot of possessions, and they need a place to put away items that aren’t always in use, such as decorations and seasonal items. When the storage feels limited, buyers will probably walk away.

It’s also hard to picture yourself in a home when it’s crammed with things. Too much furniture, a bunch of decorations, and piles of items that don’t have a place to go will all be deterrents for buyers. Clear out the clutter and make your home look more neutral. This allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there, instead of feeling like they’re invading your personal space. It’s smart to rent a storage unit to store extra belongings while your home is on the market.

Energy efficiency is another big selling point for potential buyers, especially those who care about their impact on the environmental. Even those who want to save money on heating and cooling will appreciate any efficiency upgrades. If you have money to put into the house, consider replacing older appliances with energy-efficient models. You could also consider upgrading the HVAC system, which would be appealing to most buyers. A smart thermostat can produce big energy savings.

If you don’t have money for big upgrades, do a few things to step up efficiency. The typical homeowner spends an average of $2,000 each year on energy bills according to the U.S. Department of Energy, so even small upgrades can make a big difference. Weatherstripping is inexpensive, and placing it around windows and doors could eliminate some drafts.

You could also have an HVAC technician perform an energy audit. This involves looking at every aspect of the HVAC system to figure out how much energy is used for heating and cooling and where you could make improvements for efficiency. According to the National Association of Home Builders, home buyers will pay, on average, an extra $10,732 for a home to save $1,000 a year in utility costs.

When someone walks into your home, the smell inside is important. Unpleasant odors are hard to get past, so spend some time getting rid of anything that might cause a bad smell. If you have cats in your home, your real estate agent has probably already mentioned that their stuff should be taken out or hidden before showings. Buyers with allergies or who dislike these animals may not make an offer if they know cats live in the house. The litter box should also be taken out or cleaned

well before a showing.

The same goes for dogs, which can create odors that you get used to when you share your home with a beloved pooch. Take them with you when you leave the house or put them in their crates outside. Use air freshening products that are light and appealing, such as sprays with citrus or lavender. You could also bake a batch of cookies to make your home smell that much better.

Avoid heavy smells that might cause allergies to flare up. Stick to natural scent-boosters. One good option is a known real-estate agent trick: fill a pot with water, a sliced lemon, a tablespoon of vanilla extract, and a few sprigs of rosemary. Simmer the concoction on low heat to create a delicious and inviting smell throughout the house.