Looking to sell your home but don’t know if you should make repairs first? Why not take the opportunity to impress your potential buyer and really wow them with the quality of your home. There are ten simple things you can fix that will leave a lasting impression on your prospective buyer.

1. Paint – A fresh coat of paint on the inside and out will do wonders for your home. Make sure that before you paint you make any repairs to the drywall or exterior wood. Take the opportunity the repair any damage before painting the home.

2. Floors – Clean the carpet or replace it if needed. Repair any problems with loose floor boards or replace any tiles that may be damaged. Polish or repair any scratches to the hardwood flooring.

3. Windows – Replace any broken windows and make sure all the windows have screens. Make sure all the windows are operable as this is a potential fire hazard and will be written up by the home inspector if inoperable. Clean the blinds and curtains for an added plus.

4. Make certain the dryer vents to the outside of the home. Clean all the appliances and be make sure they are working properly. Replace the eye pans on the stove if needed.

5. Make certain the garage and basement is clean and free of clutter. Remove any old magazines, newspapers, or boxes that would be considered unsightly.

6. Make certain the roof is not leaking. Common areas where roof leaks occur are around the vent stacks, roof vents, chimneys and flashing. It’s best to repair the areas if needed rather than not know a problem exists and the inspector finds it.

7. Verify that the bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the exterior. These items usually vent through the roof, but occasionally the kitchen exhaust fan will vent to the exterior through the wall.

8. Verify that there are no leaks in the sinks, plumbing fixtures, and faucets. Make sure the hot and cold lines are correct and that the sinks and counter tops are caulked.

9. Be certain no light bulbs are blown and that all the fixtures are working properly. Open shades and curtains to allow daylight to enter the room. Daylight will also make the room feel warmer even on cold days.

10. Make certain the fireplace is clean and in working order. If your house has a gas log insert, show it off. Light the fireplace so your buyers can see how it works and looks in the room.