Preparing your home for sale can be a time-consuming process. But when it comes to selling quickly and for a good price, real estate professionals across the board agree that there are certain things sellers should pay attention to in order to ensure that the process goes smoothly for everyone involved.

Here are some of the most common pieces of advice you should take into consideration if you’re planning on putting your home on the market this year.

Don’t Neglect the Little Things. Go around the house and make a list of some DIY projects you can complete on your own and cross them off little by little. Concentrate on small tasks such as painting, caulking, cleaning windows and even fixing small plumbing issues. The more things you take care of before listing your home, the less a prospective buyer can find wrong with the space.

Remember Curb Appeal. First impressions are a big deal, so it’s vital that you put in the time to make sure both the lawn and the front of your house look their best. While you don’t necessarily have to splurge on a paint job, power washing the exterior of your home might be warranted. It’s also important to clean the gutters and remove any weeds from the lawn. In addition, plant some flowers, trim the shrubs and wash off the walkway and driveway. Make your curb appeal something house hunters will remember.

Remove Clutter. Clutter is a big turnoff, making a house look like a storage facility, not a home. Clear the clutter by saying goodbye to your magazines, boxes, old clothes and any other items you don’t need. Take a look at your house through the eyes of a prospective buyer and be honest with yourself. Do you really need everything in it?

Stage the House. When it comes to decorating, everyone’s tastes differ, so it’s important to keep in mind that just because you like something doesn’t mean others will. Trust the professionals when it comes to getting your house ready and hire a stager. They have the expertise and knowledge to know what helps homes sell, and with a small investment, your home will move faster and maybe even for a higher price.

Don’t be Unreasonable. The home-selling process can be time-consuming, but setting unrealistic expectations will turn the process into even more of a challenge. Therefore, it’s important to not only keep an open mind when it comes to suggestions from your agent, it’s also crucial to list your home at a reasonable price. In the end, remember that you hired your agent for a reason, so make the process a pleasant one for everyone involved by listening to—and working with—them.

For more tips about preparing your home for sale, contact our office today.