and let it be. Don’t waste thousands replacing it unless it’s totally unsalvageable. Hardwoods & Tile These are your show ponies—buyers love them, but only if they’re clean and well-kept. A little elbow grease goes a long way. • Sweep and vacuum in the cracks. • Wax or polish if needed. • For tile, scrub the grout like your sale depends on it (because it might). • Regrouting or replacing cracked tiles? Only if it’s really necessary. Still think you need to replace? Vinyl tile has come a long way—it’s affordable, DIY-friendly, and doesn’t scream “I’m cheap” like it used to.
LIGHTING: SET THE S T THE STAGE
If flooring is the shoes, lighting is the makeup. Bad lighting can make even the prettiest home feel dull or cramped. But again, this is not your cue to run to Restoration Hardware. Update, Don't Upgrade: • Clean everything. Dusty fixtures are like mascara clumps—small, but noticeable. • Replace bulbs. Go brighter, not moodier. We’re selling “open and fresh,” not “romantic dinner.” • Spray paint old brass fixtures if they’re dated. Yes, really. • Don’t forget outdoor lighting—nothing screams “neglected” like a flickering porch bulb. Remember: buyers will likely swap fixtures anyway. Keep it clean, functional, and safe.
THE FRONT DOOR: YOUR HOME'S HANDSHAKE
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