• Adding flowers to the front of your home is an inexpensive way to dress it up.
• Also be sure the lawn is trimmed, the driveway is clean, and the garage doors stay closed.
• Be sure the front door is clean and freshly painted, if necessary.
• The windowsills and screens may need some work. Where possible, open draperies to brighten the rooms.
• Display fresh flowers when possible.
• Eliminate any cracked plaster, loose boarding or otherwise unsightly features.
• Make kitchens and bathrooms sparkle. Fresh towels, attractive shower curtains, and clean area rugs help to spruce up bathrooms.
• Remove furniture in rooms that look too crowded.
• Pack up knickknacks and paperwork to create an uncluttered atmosphere.
• Dishes should be put away and counter-top appliances hidden.
• Carpets and area rugs should be cleaned.
• Throw out items you haven’t used in the last year. This will make moving easier as well.
• Turn on the lights in every room to show your home at its’ best. Use lamps rather than overhead lighting wherever possible.
• Children and pets should not be around during the showing as they tend to distract buyers. Large dogs, in particular, should be contained.
• Be prepared to show your home at the buyer’s convenience. With the busy schedules many people have, you may not get a second opportunity.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get your house to sell, but the bar is set on cleanliness. You need to be able to eat off the floor. Cleanliness sells. It sends a message, probably more of a subconscious one, that if your home is well maintained on the surface, chances are you have been taking care of other things like servicing the air-conditioner and cleaning the air vents. No one wants to buy someone else’s problems.

Pricing your home correctly is crucial to the sale. You don’t want to give away your property, but you also don’t want to price it so out of proportion that you don’t interest buyers. Today’s buyers are much more sophisticated than those of yesterday. They’ve done their homework before deciding to buy and they expect you as a homeowner to do yours. Once they have previewed a few homes in the area and with the amenities they want, they develop a very refined sense of value — just as you would. And they have most likely spent time researching homes available on the Internet.

Consider carefully before asking a price that is higher than what you really want. Even though many people expect to negotiate, many other properties may be available in your price range. If the price is not realistic, most buyers will not bother to look at your home.

Price it right ~ Avoid pricing houses at $299,950. Properties listed at precisely $300,000 will pop up in many more online searches because many real estate search tools use ranges covering $250,000 to $300,000 and $300,000 to $350,000.

2. Questioning the First Offer - Too many sellers say no to their first offer, even if it's close to or at full asking price. Holding out for more money is a strategy that rarely works. The reality is that in any market a home's first offer is often its best. That's because educated buyers will pounce on a property they like -- with a competitive bid -- as soon as it comes onto the market. And don't forget that the longer a home sits unsold, the greater chance a seller will have to reduce his price to sell.

3. Not Responding to All Offers - What if you get an offer that's simply too low? Many homeowners will reject it outright. But it's a mistake not to respond to all offers. Here's why. You can't blame someone for testing the market - get in the game by responding to a low offer, countering back and getting the negotiations started. Try and close that gap, this might be your only chance - Lastly, don't take it personal!

4. Picking the Wrong Buyer - Sellers need to select their buyers carefully. It's critical to find a buyer who's pre-qualified for a loan. Next, watch out for buyers who need to add contingencies to the contract, including a clause stating that the deal won't close until they sell their own home. A better bet is to look for cash-flush first-time homebuyers or someone who has already unloaded his existing house.