Once you've decided to sell your home, there are a number of things which you can do to help get the best possible price in the shortest amount of time. Your Realtor at Kelleher Realty is an expert in marketing homes.

However, selling your home is a joint effort with you playing an important role in the final results. Your major role is to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Remember that first impressions count.

You should do everything you can to make the first impression a positive one. People who consider buying your home will be as critical as you are in searching for a new home. Take an inspection tour of your home, observing it as a potential buyer would. Take note of any minor repairs and painting that needs to be done.

Here are some tips from us at Kelleher Realty which have proven invaluable to homeowners in preparing their homes for showing.

• Set your price carefully -- too high and buyers may not consider it, too low and you're selling yourself short. Call Kelleher Realty today for your free market analysis to find out what your home is worth. This report will give you an idea of how your home compares financially with similar, recently sold homes in your area.
• Don't break the bank preparing your home for sale. Pricey items such as a new roof may be big hits with buyers, but rarely does the buying price end up covering the payout for such costly home improvements. When possible, stick with the simpler (and less expensive) options rather than major remodeling.
• First impressions say a lot, so curb appeal is important. Keep your lawn and other landscaping neatly trimmed, weeded and watered. Check the exterior of your home for signs of wear and damage, such as peeling paint, foundation cracks or loose shingles, and fix what is needed. Clean the outside of the house, including windows. Many people suggest giving the front door a fresh coat of paint for that warm, welcome feeling. In addition, adding a few flowers in the spring and summer, or keeping the walks cleared of leaves and snow in the fall and winter can be inviting to potential buyers.
• Your home is your castle, so show it at its best. The obvious seller's commandment: thou shalt clean. Remove all clutter from every room, including closets. Organize your basement and attic. Have a garage sale with all the stuff you don't want to move to your next home! Wipe down and paint walls and trim if necessary. Many people advocate repainting with a neutral color palette to appeal to a wider range of potential buyers. Clean all windows, light fixtures, and ceiling fans. Bathrooms should always be squeaky clean. Inspect and make any necessary repairs to the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical systems. Highlight the bath and kitchen by selecting some attractive new towels, curtains, or cabinetry knobs.
• Maintain the new and improved interior and exterior of your home until you successfully sell. It's hard, but it's necessary. A professional cleaning service may be able to help maintain the new clean look with occasional visits.
• When showing your house, provide plenty of light and make your home a warm, welcoming place. Open the curtains to let in the sunshine. In the event of an evening showing, make sure you have ample lighting available in all areas. Fresh cut flowers make a nice addition, and a pleasantly scented house is very inviting.