[caption id="attachment_168950" align="alignright" width="220"] Remodel Specialist advisor Jim Godre offers advice on how to prepare your home for selling[/caption]

What are some areas that people often overlook when performing renovations? 

The wet areas—kitchens and bathrooms—they are the most desirable areas for resale. It is important to maintain the caulking in the showers and tub areas as well as around sinks. Everything in or attached to the house will expand and contract. Simply replacing the caulking in the wet areas can save a lot of money.

What are examples of areas of a house that are important to maintain in order to pass an inspection?  

Exterior siding—it is important to keep all siding and trim fastened, caulked and painted. This will help keep all unwanted varmints out.

What are some affordable ways people can improve the appearance and value of their homes?

Maintaining the grout in flooring can be a daunting task; however, it has a huge impact and costs almost nothing for a homeowner. The grout can be cleaned with a cleaning agent or hot water with vinegar, along with a little elbow grease.

What should homebuyers notice that needs replacement or repairs? 

The shower is the most expensive spot in the house. If a black color is behind the caulking it usually means the shower has been or is still leaking. When water penetrates the walls, it can get into the substructure and cause mold.