overpricing it in the beginning, you could actually end up settling for a lower price than you would have normally received.

Effectively "Staging" The Home: Remove clutter even though you may not think of it as clutter. This includes kitchen counters, cabinets and drawers. Homebuyers want to be sure there is enough room for their “stuff” and if your cabinets, drawers and pantry look jammed full, it sends a negative message to the buyer and does not promote an image of plentiful storage space. This is true for bedroom, hallway and linen closets as well. Many people have too much furniture in certain rooms – not too much for your own personal living needs but too much to give the illusion of space that a homebuyer would like to see. Basements, garages, attics and sheds accumulate not only clutter but also junk. These areas should be as empty as possible so that buyers can imagine what they would do with the space. Remove anything that is not essential and take it to the storage area.

What You Show Is What You Get: Faded walls and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your home. Consider some minor redecoration. Fresh paint adds charm and value to your property. Remember when a prospect comes to your house, the first thing he will see is your home's front door! Be sure that it is fresh and clean. Be sure your lawn and landscaping are well manicured and trim looking. Be sure your yard is free of refuse and leaves. If it snowed, be certain that you've removed the ice and snow from walk and steps.

Check The Small Things: Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract from what's right with your home. If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing. Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tub and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.

Turn On Lights: When you know someone is coming by to tour your home, turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights – even during the day. At night, a lit house gives a “homey” impression when viewed from the street. During the daytime, turning on the lights prevents harsh shadows from sunlight and it brightens up any dim areas. Your house looks more homey and cheerful with the lights on.

Keeping The House Tidy And Neat: Not everyone makes his or her bed every day, but when selling a home it is recommended that you develop the habit. Pick up papers, do not leave empty glasses in the family room, keep everything freshly dusted and vacuumed. Try your best to have it look clean and fresh.

Showing Your House To Potential Home Buyers: Your house should always be available for show, even though it may occasionally be inconvenient for you. Let your realtor put a key box in a convenient place to make it easy for other agents to show your home to homebuyers. Otherwise, agents will have to schedule appointments, which is an inconvenience. Most will just skip your home to show the house of someone else who is more co-operative. Most agents will call and give you at least a couple of hour’s notice before showing your property. If you refuse to let them show it at that time, they will just skip your house. Even if they come back another time, it will probably be with different buyers and you may have just lost a chance to sell your home.

Why You Should Not Be Home: Homebuyers will feel like intruders if you are home when they visit and they might not be as receptive toward viewing your home. Visit the local coffee shop or take the family out for a drive. If you absolutely cannot leave, try to remain in an out of the way area of the house and do not move from room to room. Do not volunteer any information, but answer any questions the agent may ask.