Before Putting Your Home On The Market, Do This!

For a little while there, we all had hopes of pulling out of this recession, but now the picture is as bleak as ever--especially for the housing market. Potential sellers dread those initial bids, knowing their houses and condos will probably sell at far below their true value.

That is why it is crucial for every seller to take a few measures to present their homes in the most favorable light (sometimes quite literally) before putting them on the market. I've gathered a few of the best tips from real estate agents across the country to help you make the best impression on interested parties touring your house or condo.

The first step you want to take is to clean, clean, clean--from front to back and top to bottom. Unfortunately, many sellers are now expecting to be robbed at the negotiating table, so they allow their property to be neglected, thinking there will be no payoff in the long run. But if you invest the time and money in a property to be proud of, it will show!

When you vacate the premises, you will, according to your contract, only have to leave the home "broom clean," but while you're still touring interested parties, put your back into it. Shine every window and polish each doorknob. Oh, and don't forget the carpets and tiles. Bring in a professional to deep-clean every carpet, rug, and piece of grout. Their industrial-level materials will far exceed any job you can do with a sponge and household-grade products.

Even first-time buyers can be very shrewd and notice the smallest defects in your home, so consider having an inspector come in before your domicile even goes on the market. Or, if you would prefer to handle things yourself, take a notepad and jot down in detail any and all causes for concern--cracked windowpanes, damaged or missing shingles, leaky pipes, and so on.

Fix everything you can. This can be expensive, but think of it as an investment toward the return you hope to get at the final sale.

Remember that interior design experts recommend light, and plenty of it. Dark spaces tend to feel more cramped, so let in as much natural sunlight as possible. If there are any rooms in your home that could use a shift in ambiance, consider painting them, which costs so little but does a lot for the overall impression. Strategically hang mirrors in each room, which reflect light and give the illusion of making a room larger.

Finally, try not to stress during this whole process. Being overly anxious will not get you anywhere! So take a deep breath--then let it go.