| Take the time to make a few simple repairs | | | | paint schemes may be fun, but they tend to scare |
| beforehand and your house will be a buyer magnet. | | | | away more buyers than they attract. |
| In a down market, selling your home can be | | | | Another important consideration is cleaning out or |
| challenging to say the least. You are competing | | | | getting rid of the clutter in your home. Buyers need |
| against tons of other listings; some perhaps even | | | | to be able to picture the house as their own and that |
| right down your street. Do not let the numbers get | | | | is very hard to do if your stuff is lying around |
| you down. You can sell your home. The key is to | | | | everywhere. Try to remove all personal items from |
| knowing the quick and inexpensive fixes that will give | | | | countertops and tables and shelves. For each piece |
| your house an edge over the others. These include | | | | ask yourself whether you have used it in the past |
| improving the curb appeal, repainting, de-cluttering, | | | | year, whether you really need or want it. If yes, then |
| sprucing up the kitchen, and refurbishing the floors. | | | | pack it away to be pulled out at your next place. If |
| The first look buyers get at your home is from the | | | | no, toss it out or consider donating it to charity. You |
| outside. If it doesn't immediately create a good | | | | should also do away with as much of your own |
| impression, then most buyers won't even like to see | | | | family pictures and any other artwork that really |
| it from inside. Since it's often difficult to be objective | | | | takes away universality of the decor. |
| about your own home, have a friend analyze its | | | | The kitchen is usually the focal point of the home |
| front yard's appearance from the street. Ask them | | | | because lots of time is spent there. After painting |
| to note any faults or deterrents they see. These | | | | the walls, decide if the cabinets need any work. An |
| might include things like unruly plants, bushes, or | | | | easy way to give the kitchen an updated look is to |
| trees. Your friend might also notice some cracked or | | | | replace the cabinet hardware. If you have the |
| peeling paint. Do everything you can to repair and fix | | | | resources, you might want to consider getting new |
| up that would distract buyers form the beauty of | | | | cabinets' altogether or getting new countertops |
| your space. And don't forget the front door! | | | | (possibly granite). |
| Make sure your door is clean and inviting. If needed, | | | | One last important tip is to take appropriate steps to |
| get a brand new one. If you do not need a new one | | | | revamp the look of your floors. If you have a carpet, |
| or can't afford it, try destaining it and putting on | | | | get it steamed cleaned. This will reduce any pet |
| some shiny new door hardware. | | | | odors and also get out old stains. If you have |
| Next move inside and take a look at the walls. A | | | | hardwood, consider having it polished and resealed. |
| fresh coat of paint in all the main rooms will do | | | | These few steps may be simple, but they can make |
| wonders for your house. Make sure you choose very | | | | a dramatic difference in the selling presentation of |
| neutral colors though, something in the range of | | | | your home. |
| white, beige or very light brown. Bold and colorful | | | | |