Getting Your Property Ready to Sell:

1. Fix or replace any visible structural problems. Leaking, cracked and or stained ceilings can be a huge negative to a buyer. Just go through the property and look at everything from a purchasers view. Anything that you would not want them to see or that you feel you would have to explain needs to be fixed or replaced.
   
   
2. Repaint as much as you can, inside and out! In most cases it's best to use neutral colors. This will increase the curb appeal and freshness. Of all the places to spend money painting has been shown to provide the most return on your money.
   
   
3. Freshen up your landscaping. According to Bob Vila "first impressions are as important for houses as they are for people. If you are considering selling, good landscape design can add up to 20% of value to your home". A professionally landscaped property is a sure ticket to quick resale. It gives a home curb appeal, a sense of place and value. It's the first thing you see. That first impression can add well over 20% in some regions, a figure that rivals the return on a new kitchen or bath. It can also cut its time on the market by 10 to 15%. Other than painting. landscaping offers by far the best return on your money and time. So, get your shovel, buy some mulch and add some significant value to your home.
   
   
4. Remove the clutter!!!! A home that has a lot of clutter appears to be too small to hold all of your property. The same applies to the garage. If the garage is full it looks like you do not have enough storage in the home. Rent a storage facility if necessary. I will pay for itself!!!

Once you know what in your house could stand for repairs or upgrades, it’s time to decide where to infuse some cash. Don’t worry, not everything needs to be done before your home’s on the market. And while you’re probably not jumping at the idea of renovating a property you’re going to sell, certain fixes will give you an edge over the competition, which means more/better offers. Remember, real estate is an investment!

But don’t just obsess over the obvious—e.g., your kitchen could stand for new cabinets. After all, many buyers will want to tweak cosmetic details to their own tastes, so you could be throwing money down the drain. Instead, focus on fix-its that are less susceptible to personal preferences that buyers like to know are in good shape.