Clean

Elimination of odors is number one on the list. Replace the stove-vent filter along with that old rug, both of which store smells you may not even notice anymore. Deal with any sources of mustiness in the basement. If necessary, clean dirty walls with 50:50 bleach:water, then paint (one of your most cost-effective "fix-ups").

Unclutter

It's hard to be objective about your own home. But remember: although knick-knacks, neat stacks of magazines, even photos of the family may represent cozy familiarity for you, they're impediments to buyers' imagining the place as their own. And in places like the kitchen, bathroom and closets, where space is usually at a premium, clutter can make your home seem smaller than it actually is.

You're going to have to pack these things anyway, so do it now: remove your clutter so buyers can picture theirs!

Neutralize

Again, don't let your personal tastes short-circuit your buyers' imaginations. If you paint or recarpet, use beiges and off-whites. The idea is to present buyers with a color scheme that will adapt well to their tastes.

In short, think BUYERS as you browse our marketing section for other inexpensive "fix-it" tips. And look for a copy of Dress Your House For Success (described on our books page) for detailed advice on how you can help every room in your house reach out to buyers with the message "this is home" - and achieve a sale at or above appraised value!