When it comes to selling your home in Middle Tennessee, first impressions matter more than you think. 🏡 One creaky step, chipped cabinet, or outdated fixture could cause a potential buyer to pause or worse, walk away. That’s why Gina Lee, your trusted REALTOR® and local expert, created this go-to checklist of what to fix before opening your door to the public.

Gina knows what makes buyers fall in love with a home and what turns them off. Whether you’re listing in Hendersonville, prepping a home in Gallatin, or staging a property in Goodlettsville, these simple yet strategic fixes will help you shine on day one.

🛠️ 1. Patch Up Cosmetic Damage

Start by walking through your home with fresh eyes. Are there dents in the drywall? Scuffed baseboards? Loose doorknobs? These seemingly minor flaws can leave a negative impression during showings.

🖌️ Fix cracked paint, patch nail holes, and tighten loose hardware. Even small cosmetic updates show buyers the home has been well cared for a huge selling point in competitive markets like Madison and White House.

💡 2. Light It Up

Good lighting can completely transform the feel of a space. Rooms that are dark, yellowed, or poorly lit tend to feel smaller and less inviting.

💡 Replace outdated bulbs with warm white LEDs, clean dusty fixtures, and consider updating old light covers. For homes in Portland or Lebanon, where natural light might be limited, strategic lighting is essential.

🚿 3. Freshen Up Kitchens & Bathrooms

These two rooms can make or break a showing. You don’t need a full renovation, but you should absolutely address:

• Leaky faucets 💧

• Stained grout or caulking 🚿

• Cabinet handles or hinges that don’t align

A fresh coat of paint on dated cabinets or a new faucet in the kitchen can be a cost-effective way to modernize the space especially for first-time buyers shopping in Clarksville or Mt. Juliet.

🧼 4. Deep Clean Every Inch

From baseboards to ceiling fans, cleanliness signals value. This is Gina Lee’s non-negotiable before any first showing. A sparkling clean home tells buyers, “This property has been loved.”

🧽 Pay extra attention to:

• Pet odors or stains 🐾

• Smudged windows

• Cobwebs in corners

Homes in Hermitage and Middle TN often attract families and families notice the details.

🚪 5. Repair Doors & Windows

Few things feel more awkward during a showing than a door that sticks or a window that won’t open.

🔧 Lubricate hinges, repair cracked panes, and test all locks and latches. These little maintenance items can make the difference between a home that “feels right” and one that’s immediately disqualified.

🏞️ 6. Don’t Forget Curb Appeal

First impressions start before buyers walk inside. Gina always recommends giving the exterior just as much attention:

• Trim bushes and trees 🌳

• Add fresh mulch or flowers 🌺

• Power-wash sidewalks and driveways

In markets like Hendersonville and Gallatin, strong curb appeal adds real value and drives interest from the first photo.

👀 7. Remove Personal Clutter

Your family photos, collections, or themed décor may be meaningful to you, but they can distract buyers.

🧺 Declutter and depersonalize every room. Think clean lines, neutral tones, and space for imagination. Gina has helped countless sellers in Goodlettsville and White House make small edits that lead to big results.

📝 BONUS: Let Gina Do a Walkthrough

Once you’ve checked every box, let Gina Lee walk through the property with a fresh perspective. She’ll offer expert staging tips and catch anything you may have missed because helping her clients succeed is what she does best. 💛

📍 Gina Lee REALTOR®
131 Saundersville Road – 130, Hendersonville, TN 37075
📞 (615) 517-6011
📧 gina@ginaleesellstn.com
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