A well-polished home appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price than its less-cared-for neighbor, even though both may be
structurally sound. Buyers are more comfortable purchasing a home that is obviously well cared for, reasoning that if what they see is maintained, what they can't see is probably also in good condition.

In readying your house for sale, there are three main issues to consider: how much to spend; how to improve "curb appeal"; and how to improve the
interior.

When you are preparing your home for the market, it's appropriate to keep spending to a minimum. For example, a buyer might be impressed by your
brand new roof, but the amount they're willing to pay for your home will probably not cover its replacement cost. Your best effort is in making
minor and inexpensive touch-ups, such as replacing cabinet knobs and coating the living room with fresh paint in a neutral color.

Enhance your home's exterior and curb appeal by:
* Keeping the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly
* Trimming hedges, weeding flowerbeds and pruning trees
* Repairing cracks in foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios
* Inspecting doors and windows for peeling paint
* Cleaning and aligning gutters
* Inspecting and cleaning the chimney
* Repairing and replacing loose or damaged roof shingles
* Repairing and repainting loose siding and caulking
* Keeping walks neatly cleared of snow and ice in winter
* Adding some bright flowers in pots near your front entrance in summer
* Adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door

A home's interior can be enhanced with a thorough cleaning of every room in the house and removal of all clutter. This alone will make your house
appear bigger and brighter. If rooms are crowded, rent a storage garage and move some furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look. Hire a professional cleaning service to come in weekly while the home is on the market and remove infrequently used items from kitchen counters, closets and attics, making these areas more inviting.

If necessary, paint dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls a neutral color. Repair cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and
basement, and any damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint or tiles. Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings and other woodwork.
Inspect and repair the plumbing, heating, cooling and alarm systems.

Buy pretty new towels for the bathroom and put them out only when prospective buyers are on the way. Spruce up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by investing in new cabinet knobs, curtains and a coat of paint.