It’s important to spend some time sprucing up your home before you put it on the market. Often, some of the most serious offers come quickly in the marketing process, and you don’t want to let these buyers get away, only to see your home languish on the market for months afterward while you make needed repairs.

As they say, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression!

However, it’s important to draw the line on updates and renovations. Sure, they’ll make a better impression, but at what cost? Will you even get the money you spend on these renovations back? Which ones should you bother with and which ones should you skip?

Consider these tips when preparing your home for sale:

These updates will make your home attractive to potential buyers without racking up unnecessary costs. When your home feels fresh, clean, welcoming, and “well taken care of,” it makes that good first impression that you seek.