Curb appeal is more than simply a trendy term coined to increase landscapers' pay. It makes a key first impression that can either make potential customers hesitant to stop and look or eager to come inside. Make sure your front door is fantastic (because you've renovated or painted it and possibly changed the hardware) and that you have lovely potted plants by the door. You should also make sure that your grass and garden are in excellent condition.

The moment a prospective buyer enters your property, they form a second impression. Even if having your coats on a rack, shoes on the floor, keys, and other trinkets on the table may show off your amazing organizational skills, this appearance is not the best way to sell a house. Put the keys in your handbag, the coats and shoes in a closet, and a vase of flowers on the table.

Most homes have far too much furniture and decor. Instead of just organizing your junk, get rid of it. Consider packing up at least a third of your books, at least half of your trinkets, and at least a quarter of your furnishings. Apply the same principle to counters, cabinets, and closets. Buyers will assume they are too tiny if they are stuffed full. Keep them organized and about a third to a half empty (place just a few things on each shelf). Don't forget to reduce the size of your outdoor accessories and furniture as well.

You could also hire a cleaning service to come often or at least once for thorough cleaning while your house is on the market. Don't forget to clean behind the toilet, the grout in the bathroom, or the under sinks. To effectively vacuum behind and under your furniture, bring them all out and change their positions.

Set up your furniture to highlight views, fireplaces, and other architectural features rather than hide them. Put tall items, such as vases, plants, furniture, or paintings, up against tall walls. Emphasize the traffic movement rather than obstruct it. Experiment with different furniture arrangements with a few close friends and implement their opinions.

Remove the exercise equipment from the guest room and replace it with a bed. In an eat-in kitchen, place a table and chairs. Set the table for guests and remove the filing cabinets and office supplies from your rarely used dining room (or just put a delicate vase of flowers on top).

Buyers hunt for problems to drive down the sale price. Although the ceiling plaster crack and the shaky stair rail might not be structural issues, they will make potential buyers worry about what else might be off. Regardless of how tiny the issue is, get your tools and start repairing it.

Old furnishings and faded paint may make a property appear dated. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral color will appeal to buyers. Remove worn-out furniture: while your home is on the market, you can buy new furniture, trade items with a friend or family member, store your current furniture, or rent more modern ones. Nice wood floors look bad with worn area rugs or with too many of them. Shag or other vintage carpeting repels purchasers; if you can, replace it; if not, clean it. An affordable new countertop, new cabinet doors, or even new cabinet hardware may revitalize a dated kitchen.

Always remember that it's not about you; it's about the potential buyers. Make your designs more of what they may like and less of what you like. Put everything you wouldn't expect to find on the floor of a furniture store, like your collections, family photos, and other items, in boxes. Also put toothbrushes, cosmetics, and blow dryers away. Instead of making buyers ponder about the existing occupants, you want them to picture themselves living in your house.

Ask two or three of your most honest friends to inspect your home as though they were potential buyers. What should be changed? an imperfect window? Unhygienic appliances? What is suitable for everyday use is unlikely to impress a customer.

It may tempt you to stuff all of your spare boxes into the basement or garage, but potential buyers will inspect them there and gauge their size. Rent a storage unit or temporarily use a friend's or relative's garage to make them as empty as you can. (If you have last-minute items to put away before a showing, such as a stack of papers or a few filthy clothes, hide them in the washer, dryer, or beneath mattresses; most buyers won't look there.)