When prospective buyers view your home, they’ll pay particular attention to your kitchen and bathrooms. Before you list your home, make sure you’re one step ahead by giving the kitchen and baths a detailed grooming. You’ll want to contact a professional to arrange for any necessary major repairs, but there’s a lot you can do yourself to brighten up the most used places in the house.

1. Chipped ceramic, stained porcelain, and/or corroded faucets are sure to catch the buyer’s eye. Replace the faucets and fixtures if necessary.
   
   
2. Repaint the walls and ceilings, and replace wallpaper for a bright, fresh look. Stay neutral, and avoid trendy or bright colors.
   
   
3. Mini-blinds should be taken down and cleaned and curtains should be laundered and pressed.
   
   
4. Clean all the kitchen appliances. Make use of an old toothbrush and toothpicks for detail work. Make sure the oven and fridge are spotless inside as well. Check the manufacturers’ manuals for the best products to leave the surfaces streak-free.
   
   
5. Clean out and organize kitchen cupboards and the pantry. The next time you’re in the market, notice how products are lined up on the shelf, “faced out.” At home, arrange like products together, and turn all labels to face out.
   
   
6. In the bathroom, declutter the linen closet, drawers, cabinets, and medicine chest. Organize the linen closet with neatly folded towels and sheets. If your towels are not all the same, consider rolling them into tubes instead of stacking them on the shelf. The less stuff in the cabinets and closets, the more spacious they’ll appear.
   
   
7. Replace the shower curtain and/or the liner. Soap scum and mildew is a turn-off for any home buyer. Re-grout the tub and shower to brighten the tile and freshen the look of the entire bathroom. Old toilet seats are easy to replace and make a world of difference. Add new trash cans.
   
   
8. In both the kitchen and baths, clear off the counters. Toss out or pack up knick-knacks, vases, trinkets, collections, and anything else that detracts from the amount of counter space.

Freshening up the kitchen and baths is inexpensive, fairly easy, and very worthwhile. Your efforts will reap big rewards in the selling game, and please any prospective buyers. Before you list your home for sale, take a good look at your kitchen, and your baths, and make a list of “areas of opportunities.”