Preparing Your Home for the Market...Tips on making it more sellable!

Before you put your home on the market, take an impartial look at your house, inside and out. You may have only one chance to pique potential buyers' interest when they view your home, so don't let easily correctable flaws stand in the way.

We're in agreement with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) which suggests that sellers spend as little as possible on pre-sale repairs and improvements. While new tile might really spark up your kitchen, potential buyers probably won't increase their purchase offers enough to compensate your expenses.

Instead, focus on the small, relatively inexpensive touch-ups that will give your house a polished, well-maintained appearance.

• A fresh coat of neutral paint in your bedrooms
• New cabinet knobs in the kitchen and bathrooms are small changes that buyers will appreciate.
• Thoroughly clean the insides of appliances and wash and deodorize carpets.
• Clean out closets and cabinets; this gives your home a more spacious appearance.
• Check for and repair cracks, leaks and other damage to walls, floors, paint and attic.
• You also need to ensure that your home's exterior curb appeal is attractive to buyers.
• Maintain the upkeep of your lawn, including mowing, watering and weeding.
• Fertilize and seed your existing vegetation/foliage, but don't plant new shrubs or trees.
• Examine doors, windows and the overall exterior for peeling paint.
• Repair loose or damaged roof shingles, siding and caulking.

In a tough real estate market, these small efforts will pay off.