Want to sell your house quickly and get top dollar? In a recent poll of real estate agents, the top two suggestions were 'lighten and brighten' and 'clean and de-clutter.' These inexpensive ideas will bring you the biggest return - great news for a seller!

To lighten and brighten, clean all the windows inside and out till they sparkle. Open curtains and shades to allow maximum natural light, and use the brightest bulbs possible. A nice idea is to install dimmers to provide appropriate lighting for all occasions. Good lighting will always show your house to its full advantage. Dark corners tend to look dull or dirty.

You can't hear it enough. Clean and de-clutter. Clear out and freshen up the entryway or foyer to make a good first impression. If you tend to leave jackets, magazines or mail lying about in the front entry, clean up your act. An attractive basket can be used to store items till you decide what to do with them. And encourage everyone in the house to hang up coats and jackets instead of leaving them behind on the floor.

Think of the hardware on your front door as jewelry. Again, clean and polish till it shines

June 14th

If your hardware has lost its lustre, it's usually not expensive to replace. And while you're at the hardware store, you might want to pick up a shiny new mail box. It's sometimes the small items that make the biggest impression, especially when it's the first thing the home buyer sees.

If you're pressed for time, hire a pro to clean the interior of your home top to bottom. Remove displays of all personal effects, such as photos, collections, and the like. You may not see it as clutter, but the buyer will. Think about model homes you may have visited. They are usually sparsely furnished with only a few decorative items, such as flowers or artwork.

Third on the list of recommendations is 'staging', which is referred to as the 'ultimate secret weapon' for selling your home. Tips include rearranging furniture or even renting a few modern pieces to show your home in the best possible light. If you're unsure of how to accomplish this, there are professionals who can do the work for you. Or, enlist the help of a friend with a good decorative eye.

If in doubt, check in with your Realtor. Realtors have usually seen it all and are your best resource for advice and more good ideas.

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