Your home is probably your greatest asset, and you deserve to get top-dollar for it when you're ready to sell. While certain renovations can excite potential buyers, they don't always increase what a shopper is willing to pay for a house. It's important to keep this in mind as you prepare your home for the market, so you can make small changes that provide the best return on investment. It's a good idea to consult with a real estate agent to get tips that pertain to your residence and local market, though certain methods are universal.

Begin With A Deep Clean And De-clutter

Home-buyers want to imagine what life will be like in the house, so the less you have there, the better. If need be, rent off-site storage to stash away holiday decor and other things you aren't using. If your kids have a mountain of toys, try to pare it down for the duration of the sale. If your closets are jammed pack, reduce as much as possible - show buyers that there is ample storage for their items. You may also benefit from hiring professional cleaners to come in and give the place a shine.

Consider Having The Home Inspected

If you're handy, this is a do-it-yourself project. However, you can also hire a home inspector to come out and give the house a once-over. At some point during the process, you'll have to have the home formally inspected, but it's a good idea to catch any issues and correct them before this step. This way, you're sure potential buyers aren't going to find any surprises while they examine the home, and they have less wiggle room to request a lower rate later.

Make Sure There Is Plenty Of Lighting And Go Natural Whenever Possible

A well-lit house with modernized fixtures feels warm and inviting, though your best bet is to utilize natural lighting whenever possible. Sun domes, a more modest approach than skylights, also resonate well with today's Eco-conscious buyer.

Tidy Curb Appeal is a Must - Have a Welcoming Entryway

Because the exterior of your home is the first thing people see and sets the expectations for what they'll find inside, it is imperative your front yard and facade should look tidy and well-kept. Keep lawn mowed & shrubs trimmed. Toys need to be picked up, bikes & equipment put away. Paint any exterior peeling/flaking paint. In the winter - sidewalks & driveway should be free of snow & ice. 

Common Repairs 

There are common repairs that should be done that are typically inexpensive but can have a huge impact and in some cases it's mandatory for financing.  

• Fix any cracked windows or holes in screens (FHA requirement)
• Hand rails should be on all stairways (FHA requirement)
• Repair any dripping faucets
• Replace ALL burned out lightbulbs (consider replacing with bright LED)
• Make sure all light switches are in working order
• Fix any loose doors or cabinets
• Oil squeaky doors & drawers
• Complete any unfinished remodeling projects
• Touch up any peeling or flaking paint, inside & outside (FHA requirement)
• Repair all "little" annoyances (drawers that stick, unaligned closet doors, etc) 

• Staging your home
• Landscaping the backyard
• Shampooing or replacing carpets
• Repairing any damaged flooring
• Painting interior walls
• Updating the kitchen
• Painting the home's exterior
• Updating the bathrooms
• Fixing any loose doors or cabinets

Be Ready For Showings

Showings can happen at any moment with little notice. Always having your home ready to show is very important. Consider marketing to all five of your customer's senses:

• Smell: Always keep your home smelling fresh and clean
• Sight: Do your best to always have the dishes done, laundry put away, beds made, and your home kept clean. (Consider having a grab bag that you can quickly grab loose items and debris with and place in a corner, so that you can quickly keep your home clean-looking.)
• Sound: Playing nice, soft, inviting music can help place a potential buyer at ease and help them feel comfortable in your home
• Taste: Consider always having a fresh batch of cookies available for potential buyers. Be sure to leave a sign that they are welcome to have some. Not only will this make them feel invited and at home, but it smells great too
• Touch: Make sure that countertops are clean and not sticky, your doors don't squeak, your cabinets are not loose, and your home is in the best condition possible.

Some people get caught up in trying to make a home unique by adding specialty rooms or performing a total remodel, when buyers usually prefer a home that's move-in ready. It's easy to become lost in projects, hoping to make your home really stand out, but you also have to be careful that you aren't making your home too overpriced for the neighborhood. This is another reason why it's a great idea to bring a real estate agent on board early, even if it's only for a consultation. That way, you can be sure you're directing your attention to the things that matter most to your potential buyers.