Dont 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 their 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 dont lose a sale on your home, because the yard was not maintained.

Pretend that your mother or mother-in-law is coming for a visit or an old friend from school you havent seen in years. Think hotel clean. Mop, dust, vacuum, wash windows, baseboards — even the cat & 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.

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.

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 a 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.

Think about removing or replacing worn or outdated furniture and get rid of extra pieces.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.

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

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.

It’s the best bang for your buck that will quickly refresh a dull, out dated 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.

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.