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