If you are considering selling your home there is a great deal of information you will need to prepare your home for sale before putting it on the market.
In today's marketplace, your home will be in competition with other homes in your surrounding area as well.
Here are some tips that will help you to give you a big advantage over your competition:
Tip #1 - Make It Attractive
Buyers today are looking at many properties and their selection is very often based on emotion so you need to make your home inviting and appealing since you may be competing with other homes that have no pets, no children, are tastefully decorated and clean as a whistle.
Tip #2 - Start with the inside
The principal #1 rule you need to understand is that there is a big difference in the way you live in your home and the way you sell your home.
Begin by going through each room and pack up at least 30% of your belongings and accessories. A buyer cannot envision themselves mentally living in your home and you want to create the perception of roominess so pack up those collectibles and any family photos you have displayed on your walls, shelves and tables. Pack up any items in the cabinets and closets that you don't use on a regular basis.
Write with a large magic marker and label each box with its contents and stack them in the garage or basement. Remember you are going to be moving anyway, so take advantage by getting things packed away now. Rent a storage area for these items if necessary or have a yard sale. 
Too much furniture clutters a room so remove any extra tables, chairs and dressers that are too big and take up too much room.
Take a good look at your floors and carpet. If the carpeting and floors are in good condition give them a good cleaning. If they are older and showing signs of wear change them. Pay special attention to carpeting that may be stained and discolored and vinyl flooring that are outdated styles or colors. Use neutral colors when replacing both the carpets and the floors.
Next check out the walls. If they're dirty, try scrubbing them clean first. If painting is necessary use flat latex in the kitchen and semi-gloss latex in the bathrooms.
Walls with wallpaper should be clean and up to date. If the wallpaper is older and peeling, strip it off and either paint or re-wallpaper depending on the condition of the walls.
Look for cracked walls and ceilings and repair if necessary. Repair loose door knobs and make sure all celing fans are clean and light fixtures have new lightbulbs. Correct any leaking faucets in the kitchen and baths put fresh batteries in smoke detectors.
Make your home sparkle by scrubbing clean all sinks, tubs and appliances. Clean all windows inside out as well as the curtains, drapes and blinds. 
Get rid of pet and food odors. For pets, keep the litter box cleaned and add a cup of baking soda to the litter. Remove doggy smells by placing a small uncovered bowl of vinegear in the room where your dog sleeps. Of course make sure you put the bowl off the floor so the dog doesn't drink it. Baking breads pies and cookies adds a pleasant aroma as well as scented candles or fresh flowers.
Tip #3 - Look outside
Trim shrubs, weed and mulch the flower beds. Add blooming flowers in the front or a hanging basket on the deck. Is there oil in the driveway? Kitty litter will remove the oil and grease stains.
Sweep the patio and deck and remove any visible rust on the gas grill. Outdoor furniture should be kept clean and/or repainted if necessary. Paint, repair or replace the mailbox if needed.
Drive up appeal is most important to give buyers a good first impression so make sure the front door gets a fresh coat of paint. Do the same with the back door and garage door. Clean, repair and paint all downspouts and gutters.
Repainting the outise of your home can be a fairly expensive venture and is not necessary unless the walls are badly blistering or peeling. If your home does need painting, choose a neutral color. Some colors that are most appealing are white, cream and light gray. If it's going to be painted or re-sided during the time you are going to sell, make sure buyers are aware of when it is scheduled to be completed.
Tip # 4 - The Garage and Basement
The basement and garage are the areas where everything goes that doesn't have any other place to go. If they are messy and cluttered remove every thing right down to the floor. Sweep or hose down the floors and remove any stains. If the floors need painting, paint them porch gray and for the walls use an off-white flat latex paint.
When everything is cleaned and painted, pack what you can and organize and stack everything neatly. If you have a finished basement, keep it neat and clean and pack up any unused toys, books and games.
Using these tips wil greatly help you to sell your home for more money 
and in less time.
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Contact Donna Bigda, ABR, SRES, e-PRO, Realtor®, RE/MAX Alliance Licensed Realtor® in the State of Connecticut at 203-488-1641, ext. 214 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Branford, Guilford, Madison, East Haven, New Haven and the rest of shoreline area in New Haven County Connecticut.
If you're thinking about buying a home in Branford CT there are plenty of great buys in today's market and now is one of the best times to buy while interest rates remain low. For more information on Branford CT real estate homes or condos, see Branford CT real estate or sign up today to get access the hottest new listings here Branford CT homes and condos.
Disclaimer: All information provided by this author is strictly an opinion, is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.
Copyright © 2009 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*Dress Your Connecticut Home For Success*
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