When you decide to sell your home, you can improve its marketability by showing it to its best advantage. Minor repairs, cleaning and a little decorating can create a lasting impression. If there is major work to be done, your sales associate may recommend postponing showing your home until it is completed. Here are a few things that will help ensure a faster sale:

• Curb appeal is very important. Keep the lawn in immaculate condition. Prune all shrubbery and trees. Replace broken shutters and torn screens. Inspect the condition of all gutters and drainpipes. Repaint or restain the front door to create the right first impression.
• Make sure that all the rooms of your home are bright, clean and appealing. Discard damaged furniture and badly frayed rugs.
• Painting the interior and exterior is a small investment that pays significant dividends in making your property look fresh and new.
• Kitchen appliances should be spotless and in perfect working order. Counter space should be open and uncluttered.
• Replace or repair anything that sticks, squeaks or drips.
• Your toilets, sinks and drains should be clean and clear.
• Remove excess furniture and store unnecessary items. Also clear your storage spaces and garages of unnecessary items.
• When your home is being shown to a prospective buyer, open the curtains to show how inviting your home looks. Make sure your pets are completely out of the way. Avoid having several people present during times when the house is being shown; this makes the property look smaller.