General Tips

• Clean everything thoroughly. Ask a friend to help you assess your efforts -- especially in sensitive areas such as odor removal.

• Put out clean towels, new soap, a nice tablecloth, and fresh flowers.

• Don't be at home during a showing or open house. Your absence will put buyers at ease so they'll feel free to linger and ask questions.

• If you do stay, be polite, but let your sales associate do the talking.

• Don't apologize for the condition of your home.

• Make sure kids and pets are out of the house.

• Unclutter all areas of your home to create an impression of spaciousness and plentiful storage space. A great way to clear away clutter and make money at the same time is to hold a yard or garage sale.

• Nothing makes a home look newer faster than a fresh coat of paint. Neutral colors such as beige, white, off-white and gray have a broad appeal to prospective buyers. These colors suggest newness and cleanliness. It's a good idea to stick to neutrals when making any improvements prior to selling your home.