Top 5 Dos

Spruce up your curb appeal. Potential buyers judge your home before they even enter it. If it does not look inviting from the outside they may just move on to the great looking one down the block. You must make this first impression count. Plant flowers, trim shrubs and trees, mow the lawn, remove clutter from the porch, clean the windows and gutters, paint the front door, replace worn out or broken hardware, put out a new welcome mat and make small repairs that you have been putting off.

Clean, clean, clean. This is simply essential. Dust, vacuum, clean the windows and mop the floors, clean those corners. Make sure there are no odd odors floating around or major stains on the carpet or furniture. Do like your mom always told you and make your bed and hide your dirty garments in a hamper.

Declutter. Get rid of any items that may detract from the rooms. Make sure every room telegraphs its purpose. Hide figurines; remove and store large collections; throw out or recycle junk mail, newspapers and magazines; file disheveled papers; and really organize all of your closets neatly; store seasonal cloth to make the closets look larger.

Neutralize. Potential buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home. Make it easy for them by removing much of your personal items such as family pictures and heirlooms. Also, get rid of any loud paint colors, outdated wall coverings or loud accessories.

Remove big clunky furniture. Oversize couches, chairs or tables have to go. The furniture in your rooms may be too large and maybe there's also too much of it. If so it's a good idea to consider removing some of them and to rearrange the remainder. If you cannot replace them with smaller pieces, get rid of as much as you can - less is more.


Top 5 Don'ts.

Don't take it personally. As soon as you commit to selling your home, you need to think of it as a product, one that you want to sell fast and for top dollar. Do not take your agent's remarks personally. Instead, think of it as free advice on how to make your product live up to its highest potential. You need to emotionally detach yourself from this product.

Don't do major renovations. Finishes and fixtures that you find beautiful may not suit every buyer's tastes. It is best to limit the amount of time and investment you make on renovations to the essentials - paint, replace old flooring and broken or worn hardware, tackle small repairs, change outdated fixtures; and save your energy and renovation dollars for your new home.

Don't think the house will sell itself. The real estate market is not a game anymore, because the competition is fierce. We are in a strong buyer's market and there are many similar properties for sale in your area. You need to make sure that your home is one of the most appealing ones around. Make it feel fresh and welcoming; light dark corners with nicely arranged table or floor lamps; try to minimize your home's short comings and put an emphasis on it's strong points.