Curb Appeal is huge! Remember, First impressions can go a long way.

Don’t let potential buyers simply become drive-bys. Most potential buyers will judge your home by the first thing they see. And what do you think is going to be the first thing they will see? Well, if you said the front of your house, then you are correct. Your job is to make potential buyers fall in love with your home from the street view from their car by simply adding beautifully colorful potted plants and flowers, power-washing patios and walkways, weeding the garden and mowing the lawn, and making sure there is no trash in the yard. Remember, It’s your first chance to make a good impression, so you’ve got to make it count. Don’t lose a sale on your home because the yard was not maintained.

Pretend you’re having a Holiday Party or a Family Gathering, and clean your house to impress.

Pretend that your mother or mother-in-law is coming for a visit or an old friend from school you haven’t seen in years. Think hotel clean. Mop, dust, vacuum, wash windows and baseboards—even the cat and dog and yes, even the fish aquariums. Remember that people will look in your cupboards, under your sinks, and in your closets. Also, pay particular attention to odors. You might even consider consulting a neutral nose by having a friend come by for a smell test.

Pay attention to colors and light.

You may love hot pink and zebra stripes in the living room, but bright colors can actually distract and turn buyers off. Neutralize strong colors for the broadest appeal. A neutral home appears larger and has less chance of distracting someone. Also, open up blinds and draperies to make sure there’s sufficient natural light throughout the home. Remember, lighting is the most effective way to set a mood.

Depersonalize the living space.

A cluttered home can distract a potential buyer from looking at the home and focusing on all the clutter. Buyers need to see your home, not your stuff. Remember, excessive personal items like family photos, collections, personal awards, electronics, and collectibles will make it difficult for buyers to see past your personal style and may deter them from making an offer and you losing a sale. Taking yourself out of the picture makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves and their stuff in your space.

Consider replacing old run-down furniture.

Think about removing or replacing worn or outdated furniture and getting rid of extra pieces. The time has come to move beyond matching furniture, so break up your sets; dated can easily become eclectic with editing and rearranging. Consider consulting with a professional staging company for design direction and advice on rental furnishings to create an inviting home with broad appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Invest in new artwork.

Displaying new artwork is a great way to breathe new life into a room. Photography can also be used to contemporize a room and add a splash of color.

Make repairs.

Make your home a high-maintenance zone. Repair squeaky doors, chipped or smudged paint as well as broken fixtures and fittings that you’ve neglected.

Apply a fresh coat of paint.

It’s the best bang for your buck and will quickly refresh a dull, outdated room. Slap a fresh, neutral color on the space. Choose a beige or taupe for living spaces and a neutral green or blue for bathrooms.

Don’t forget the floors.

Get rid of worn carpets, and consider refinishing shabby hardwood floors. An inexpensive new area rug is a quick fix and can disguise the look of old floors.

Spring for new light fixtures.

Renew the look of the room by replacing old or dated light fixtures, door hardware, light switches, and outlets. If it’s tacky and older than you, get it out of there.