Unless your home shows at its very best, it can cost you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars during its sale. You may also face the prospect of a prolonged listing period or even an expired listing. Fortunately, you don't have to spend a fortune to get your home ready for sale. There are things such as plumbing or painting, but there are several things that you can do for no money that will help make your home ready for sale.

INSIDE YOUR HOME:
1. Make rooms appear larger by packing away extra furniture. Even rent a storage unit.
2. Clean out closets so everything appears orderly. Most people demand neatness in a home they intend to buy even if their own homes are a mess.
3. Keep blinds and draperies open and your windows clean to let as much natural light in as possible.
4. Make sure your kitchen is spotless. Rid clutter from countertops and organize your drawers and cabinets. Buyers will look inside.
5. Clean the refrigerator. Remove pictures, artwork and magnets.
6. Make sure bathrooms are spotless. Hang your best towels and repair all fixtures.
7. Clean the floors as much as possible. Wax wood floors and shampoo carpets. Bleach the grout in tile floors.
8. Dust everything in sight. Don't leave dead insects in the windowsills and light fixtures.
9. Prune all plants and get rid of ones that are dying.
10. Take down offensive posters or artwork from your teens' rooms and put away all toys in younger children's rooms.
11. Make sure your utility room is clean. Don't let laundry lie on the floors.

OUTSIDE YOUR HOME:
1. Clean the garage thoroughly.
2. Mow the lawn and keep it watered. Edge the sidewalks.
3. Weed any flowerbeds and trim trees and shrubs. Uproot dead flowers, plants and shrubs.
4. Sweep all sidewalks, patios and porches.
5. Put away all toys, bikes, skateboards, etc.
6. Repair any broken sprinkler heads.
7. Make sure that pets are kept out of the way and pet areas are clean and odor free.
8. Water the lawn only very early in the morning or in the evening. Put ammonia sulfate on your lawn to green it up.
9. Clean the roof and gutters.
10. Repair a broken or sagging fence. Make sure that the fence gate opens and closes without having to use excess force.
11. Fix the doorbell if it's broken and make sure that the front door is free of debris and dirt. Make sure it opens and closes with ease.
12. Move firewood off the ground and away from the house. Otherwise, this area may be noted as conducive to termites or fire ants during an inspection.
13. Park cars down the street during showings.

These simple steps can do wonders to enhance your home in the eyes of buyers and maximize the profit of your home sale.

Choose your agent wisely. Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Ask questions of your agent. Find out how knowledgeable he or she is about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold. Can your agent recommend a good lender that has the reputation of excellent customer service and low rates? Does your agent ask questions of you to have a full understanding of what you are looking for to help you get the most home for the money?

Have questions, need advice you can count on or just want to discuss this further? Don't waste any more time; pick up the phone and call me now! I'm here to help!

I appreciate you as a client and a friend. I appreciate your business, your loyalty, trust and your referrals. It is my goal to provide the very best counsel, advice and service possible for your real estate needs. If I may ever be of assistance to you, a relative, friend or co-worker please don't hesitate to call me. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

Stein Settergren