The right price and location are always important, but shouldn’t be the only concerns for sellers anymore. Some smart planning can help you sell your old home faster and for more money.

Tip #10: Light it up

Maximize the light in your home. After location, good light is something almost every buyer mentions they want in their new home. Removing drapes, cleaning windows and increasing the wattage in your light bulbs can really brighten up your home. Trimming back large shrubs outside your windows can help bring in natural light as well. A bright home will show much better.

Tip #9: Empty the closets

Every buyer is seeking plenty of storage in their new home. Show off your closet space by removing at least half of the stuff inside. Neatly organize the remainder of the closet and be sure to get the drawers and cabinets clean.  You’ll be prepared for the snoopiest buyers with a clean and organized closet space.

Tip #8: Clean up after the pets

Not everyone loves dogs and cats. Buyers don’t want to walk into your home to see a full bowl of dog food, pet hair everywhere or smell your cat’s litter box. These things can make your home seem unclean. If you have an open house planned, send the critters away to a pet hotel.

Tip #7: De-personalize & De-clutter

Take down many of the personal items in your home. This is a very important step to help your buyers visualize themselves in your home. Take at least half of your personal items off the walls. Memorabilia, heirlooms, curios and family photos should all be stored away during the listing period. Get rid of the clutter. Think about hiring a home stager to help you arrange your furniture and decorations in a way that complements your floorplan and makes the home flow and show well.

Tip #6: Upgrade, but upgrade smart

Small repairs before selling are a great idea and will pay you back. Really big makeovers are a bad idea because huge improvement projects probably won’t pay pay off.  Try several smaller, manageable projects that will pay you back. Get the walls painted and update your curtains (Don’t spend too much on this). New cabinet pulls, fresh door handles and freshly cleaned grout can really spruce up your homes appearance to potential buyers.

Tip #5: Keep it ready for showings

It’s crucial that your house is ready to show at all times. Buyers can show up at anytime and with little or no notice. Keep the home ready to be seen. Make sure the sink and dishwashers are clean and empty and your bathrooms are squeaky clean. The temporary inconvenience will pay off with a sale.

Tip #4: Get great photos

According to Zillow, 90% of all buyers start their search online. The National Association of Realtors estimates that around 50% of those buyers will first view your listing on their tablet or smartphone. Listing photos are the new first-impression and can make or break your chances for a showing.

Tip #3: Price it right from the start

Some sellers think they should start with a high asking price and drop it later if the house fails to sell. That can result in a slower sale at a lower price. The first 30 days your house is on the market is always the best activity you’re going to see. If the price is too high, buyers and their agents might stay away, assuming you’re not serious about selling or you’re unwilling to negotiate.

Tip # 2: Sweeten the deal

Enticements like closing credits and home warranties are so common that most buyers will expect them. Sweeten the deal by leaving some nice personal items behind. If your home is on a golf course, include the cart in the deal. Items like stainless kitchen appliances or a large HD flatscreen TV can move your home higher on the buyers list.

Tip #1: The first impression is the only impression

You won’t get a second chance to make a good impression on the buyer. By the time they’ve walked in your front door, some perceptions of your home have already been set. Make people feel safe,  warm and welcome as they approach your house.  Bright flowers and new shrub placements can really help your home’s curb appeal and typically pay back at closing.  Make the entryway welcoming. Place a bench or a small table with fresh flowers or cookies by the front entry so the first thing a prospective buyer sees or smells when they walk in will be fresh and inviting.