by Rich Schiffer, Weichert Realtors 

(Reprint Permission Granted.  Click here for a list of other Advice to Home Sellers articles by this author.)

In a recent blog post, I was asked the question, "What are the top 5 things homeowners should do/replace to get the best value from their home?"

Here is my answer:

The first advice I would give anyone considering selling their home, is to get in touch with a local REALTOR, for specific advice about your specific property in your specific market.

But that aside, there are some general bits of advice I can give you:

1. Identify the areas that need most improvement.  Ask yourself, "If you were looking to buy this home today, what about it would I want repaired or changed."  Most buyers will conduct a home inspection, and may ask the seller to contribute to necessary repairs the inspector finds.  I recommend that Sellersget an inspection, prior to listing the home for sale.  The inspector will let you know all the areas that need immediate repair, or may need repair soon.  Use that list as a basis to work from as you prepare to market your home.  Home inspections range around $400 in my area.  You can consult with your REALTOR for a list of qualified home inspectors in your area, or search on-line.
2. Clean. Clean. Clean.  Homes that are clean are much easier to market than ones with odd stains, smells, smears, etc.  Removing old carpet is often a good idea.  De-cluttering is another simple improvement that can be made.  Pack up all your out of season clothes, and anything you don't absolutely need, and put them in temporary storage, off-site.  Not in the garage, basement, or attic.  This way, when potential buyers see your home, they can tell just how deep the closets are, just how much room is in the basement and attic, and can picture their car in the garage, instead of your paint cans, kids sleds, and the Nordic Rider you haven't used in 5 years.
3. Top to Bottom, and In between.  Top:  Roof condition is a major factor for many buyers (and their lenders)  Bottom:  a wet basement needs to be addressed.  In-between:  Buyers often like to see clean walls, with fresh, neutral paint. 
4. Gather important paperwork.  Information you have on warranties for your appliances, furnace, water-heater, garage door opener.  Termite inspection reports, roof certifications, etc. will all be handy when negotiating the final sale. The plot-plan or site map from the most recent survey will also be helpful, if you have it.
5. Consider some remodelling, to compete with other homes in the area.  Below is some information, reprinted with permission from the National Association of Realtors, that applies to Remodelling:
   
   

Remodeling That Pays

Upgrading your home is always appealing, but which enhancements get you the best return for your money when it's time to sell? The 2007 Cost vs. Value Report by RemodelingOnline magazine has the answer.

Visit REALTOR® Magazine Online's Cost vs. Value page to view reports from previous years, order reprints, and find out how you can take part in next year's survey.