The best price to sell your home is always determined by how you compare against your competition, the house down the street. If your property looks better than the next guys the customer will buy yours.

It all comes down to image, making sure it shows at its best. This is accomplished with minor repairs, some decorating and a lot of elbow grease. Its no different than a used car dealer shining up the cars inside and out. You systematically go through your home, inside and out, room by room, and make it look great.

Outside

Paint it, wash it, mow it and clip it. First impressions are lasting, and you dont get a second chance to make a good first impression. Look at your home from the street. If you cant see it through the trees, trim bushes so windows are completely exposed. Make sure your approach to the house is clear of overhanging foliage. Wash the windows. If you have a blacktop driveway, put a fresh coat of sealer on it. Dress up flowerbeds with new shrub or flowers and repair any damaged fencing.

Inside

Arrange furniture in to give the most visual appeal to the room. This may not be the most functional, but at this point we dont care about function. Clean up the rooms of any clutter, toys, excess furniture, books or anything that gets thrown around. Youd be amazed at how many sellers dont do this. Dont forget clean, clean, clean.

The less in a closet the larger they look. If the master bedroom is short on closet space, you should consider adding a closet organizer.

If wallpaper is out dated or paint is old and chipped, put on a fresh coat especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. Kitchen counters should be clear with just the basic items you need. Make sure faucets shine and dont leek. Toilets should flush properly and not keep running. Tile or tub liners are in good shape and clean. Repair or replace chipped sinks or tubs. And again keep them neat and free of clutter.

Basements and Attics should be neat and orderly. The furnace and hot water heater should be dusted and accessible. Cracks in the walls that have been patched and dont leek should be painted.

It doesnt cost too much to stage the home as well. Pictures, mirrors, pillows and plants can transform a room. You can even rent furniture if youve already moved out.

These are just a few of the things you can do with very little expense that will greatly increase the price you get for the house compared to the competition. I cant tell you how many times Ive viewed a home where they seller didnt even bather to vacuum or sweep the floor. I can tell you the offer was low. Seek the advice of your real estate professional, they have seen it all and seem to always have great ideas.