As a real estate professional I often see simple changes that can dramatically improve the sales price of a home. Often time sellers are to stubborn or just don't understand the importance of making these simple changes when they sell there homes. This costs them thousands of dollars and makes there home less marketable for Real Estate professionals. I have compiled a simple list of things you can do inside and outside your home to make it more desirable and therefore increase the sales price.

On the inside of your home there are a few things every home owner should do and they cost relatively little or nothing.

1. The first thing a home owner should do is clean up and clear all unnecessary objects from the house. It is ok to keep your house decorative but do not over do it.

2. The second thing you will want to do is clear all unnecessary objects from tubs, showers stalls, countertops, and commode tops. The only items that should be on your counter tops should be your most needed brushes, perfumes, cosmetics and they should be positioned in a small group. You will also want to make sure you coordinate your towel to one or two colors only.

3. Open drapes and blinds. Make sure you replace all light bulbs with 100 watt bulbs and turn on every light in the house. It has been proven over and over that lack of light makes people feel dreary and depressed. This is not something you want to bring out in a potential buyer.

4. Rearrange or remove some of the furniture if necessary. We want the house to look larger so if we have too much furniture in the house it makes the rooms feel smaller.

5. Rearrange or take down certain pictures from the walls. Any pictures that are even slightly pornographic or inappropriate for any viewer should be taken down. (I mention this step because it happens more then you would think)

6. If your budget permits give the house a new fresh coat of paint. Walls with smears, holes, or that are just dirty in general stand out and a couple cans of paint do not cost very much money.

7. Clean drapes and or carpets in any area where you notice dirt.

8. Review each room individually for anything you feel needs to be done. Try to be objective and if you can't have a friend come over and help you.

9. If you need room to store extra possessions rent a storage unit or if a storage unit is outside your budget use the garage.

10. Burn a scented candle during the day. Make sure it is not an overp

owering candle but something that smells nicely in the background.

11. Turn on the stereo during the day for showings make sure to choose a station that plays appropriate music for all ages.

The outside of a house is also very important. We have all heard the term "Curb Appeal” it is very important that the house looks as good as possible. Often times buyers will pass on a house without even looking on the inside because the outside has something small wrong with it.

1. The first thing you want to do with the outside of your house is to go around the house and remove all garbage, extra building materials, or anything that would cause a new owner to have to work to clean up. New buyers do not want to have to clean up after the previous owners when they buy a home.

2. Sweep the patios, driveways, and gutters and make sure they look the best they can.

3. Take a look at all the vegetation. Prune the bushes and trees, make sure they are not blocking windows or overgrown.

4. Weed and then mulch all planting areas. Make sure the lawn has been freshly cut and fertilized. Obviously you will want to remove all dead shrubs and plants from the property.

5. Clear the deck of all clutter; this includes small planters, charcoal, toys, barbecues and flower pots. If you need to put them in storage or in the garage do so it makes a big difference.

6. Check the paint condition of the exterior of the house. Make sure that when you drive up to the house there is nothing standing out that would prevent a couple from wanting to see the inside of your home. Make sure the paint is not cracking and the trim still looks nice.

If you follow these simple steps your home will not only sell for more money but it will also sale faster. As a real estate agent I have seen this happen many times. If you would like more information on selling your home please visit my website at Cedar City Utah Real Estate or contact your local real estate professional.

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