4 cheap tricks to freshen up your space before an open house

Here are seven tips to lower the cost of your first home Work on your credit score way ahead of time Crowdsource your down payment See if Uncle Sam will help Find a housing counselor Pick a real estate agent based on where you want to live Choose a home where you could stay five to seven years Don't get distracted

Selling a home isn’t easy. Beyond finding the right real estate agent and setting the correct asking price, there are all the little hassles of keeping your place presentable for interested buyers.

If you’re hosting an open house, which of course is a great way to quickly present the place to many potential buyers, you want to make sure everything is spotless and presentable. Of course, there are the basics such as cutting the lawn, pulling the weeds, cleaning the house and ensuring anything broken is repaired.

» MORE: Which meal kit delivery service is right for you? Comparing Blue Apron, Hello Fresh and 8 more

However, if you want to bring your house closer to something that just might appear in Good Housekeeping, here are a few affordable ideas to take things up a notch.

ajc.com

icon to expand image

1. Organize and clear clutter

Besides ensuring that all the surfaces, floors and windows are spotless throughout your home, it's a good idea to arrange your clutter spots. Instead of simply stacking things neatly in their usual places, consider purchasing some affordable and attractive storage devices. Piles of random papers and other items can be placed neatly in affordable and easily moveable stacked drawers. Desktops and counters can also be improved by adding simple table top divider-shelves for books, mail and magazines you have laying around.

Consider picking up a Pasir Steam Beech desk storage hutch for just $14.49 and hide the clutter in the corner with this four-drawer storage bin for just $21.17.

2. Add some attractive plants

ajc.com

icon to expand image

Greenery will add freshness and friendliness to any room of the house. Before your open house, pick up a few attractive plants to place around social rooms and other places in the home that look appropriate. Depending on your yard and entrance situation, you may also want to consider picking up a few flowering plants to place outside. Fresh cut flowers in key spots throughout your house will add a nice touch as well.

Small indoor plants can be purchased for as cheap as $1.49. These parlor palms ($10) are a great choice, requiring minimal care.

» MORE: 3 words you should never use when selling a home

ajc.com

icon to expand image

3. Give your bathrooms a spa feel

A basket of fresh hand towels, some nice smelling soaps and lotions as well as new bath towels hanging on the racks can go a long way to making your bathroom look better. Make sure toothbrushes and other toiletry items are tucked away in cabinets as well.

You can also consider giving your bathroom an easy makeover with a full set of bath accessories, including a new shower curtain, soap dispensers and toothbrush holders. Individual items range from $19.99 to $89.99.

4. Spruce up the living room

If your living room furniture has seen better days, you can buy fitted covers to hide any rough spots or to change the room's theme. Throw pillows are a nice addition as well.

Depending on the size of your furniture, slipcovers can cost as little as $65.99. Choose from a range of throw pillows in various colors for just $22.49 (2 pack).

The AJC may receive a commission for purchases made through some links in this article.