Would you like to make as much money as possible on the sale of your home? Sellers are getting top dollar when they put some skin in the game and prepare their home for the market.

These are important first steps:

#1. Put away your emotions and put on your business hat. You are now selling a product and someone else’s dream.

#2. Curb Appeal: Get your landscaping dialed in. Weeded, planted, mulched (no red bark please) and beautiful. Be honest-how does your front door look? (See #3)

#3 Paint: Out with the strong statement colors and in with the neutrals. [Check out this blog post for in-tell on paint]

#4 Lighting: Remove fabric window coverings, valances and anything that blocks out the light. Illuminate the room with table lamps and floor lamps or better yet, a current light fixture.

#5 Reinvent rooms. Create an office in a small nook area, or a craft room in a dingy area of the basement. (See #10)

#6 Pack away belongings and de-clutter. Do not leave any closet untouched. Get a storage pod and pack pack pack. Or better yet, move out altogether.

#7 Clean. Professionally is always my vote. Cleaners see so much more than homeowners. They know the drill. Do not forget windows-inside and out.

#8 Repair as much as possible. Make a list in order of importance. Buyers want a home that has been well cared for and loved.

#9 Interview Real Estate Agents and listen to them. They are in the business of helping homeowners get top dollar and most should know how to do that.

#10 Hire a reputable staging company. Check out their current work and reviews from clients. Start with Houzz. It cost money to stage so make certain you have connected with the right staging company.

The first thing that tells us about a home is the front of the house. When Sister Ex and I approach a property for a meeting with the seller, you can bet we are critiquing the walkway, garden, front porch, door and the side yard. It all comes into play when selling/marketing your home. If it looks well cared for on the outside then it is probably well cared for on the inside.

If you want to get the best possible price with the least amount of time on the market then put your very best foot forward. Start with cleaning, repairing, possibly re-carpeting, landscaping, and staging. Even in a booming real estate market it is critical to have your property in top shape.