A home that looks and feels fresh, warm and inviting simply sells more quickly. Here are a few ideas to help your house sell faster...

• Curb appeal is critical. Many potential buyers will reject a home based solely upon the exterior appearance. Be sure the yard is free of leaves and debris. If possible, perform a little landscaping, manicure the lawn, plant colorful flowers.
• Keep the front door area (inside and out) clean and uncluttered.
• Buy a new door mat (avoid mats with cute sayings), clean brass door knockers, and place potted flowers on front porch. Color is important.
• If you own a porch-swing, liven it up with colorful pillows or a throw-blanket.
• Make sure the entry level floor makes a good first impression.
• Make the interior of your house visible from the exterior - make sure all windows are crystal clean, screen doors open, lights on. Think bright, open, airy.
• Remove dark, heavy drapes and replace with light sheers; let breeze blow in and move sheers.
• On the subject of curtains, never block light and never apologize for what you may personally consider a bad view. It's more important to allow natural light in.
• Eliminate stale air and bad odors. Breathe fresh outside air, then go indoors and hunt down offensive odors. Use air freshener, potpourri, carpet fresheners, deodorized cat liter, and cedar chips or blocks where appropriate.
• Highlight the fireplace if you have one. Add color by placing flowers on the mantle, or have a fire going if the weather is cool enough.
• Set the dining room table. Make it emotional (homey) and appropriate for the time of day if possible.
• Have fresh flowers and healthy plants throughout the house to give a feeling of life.
• Avoid eccentricities such as beads in doorways, wild posters, dark walls, mirrored ceilings, sacred temples, etc. Your house must appeal to masses.
• De-personalize teenagers’ rooms; Not everyone has teens or appreciates their taste in decorating.
• Find the fine line between clutter and emptiness. Perhaps hold a garage sale before listing your home to make certain that storage, closets, basement and garage areas are uncluttered and spacious. Even ample storage can appear inadequate if clutter is present.
• Create extra counter space by storing appliances, dish racks, dish soap, etc.
• Increase the wattage of light bulbs in the basement and laundry room.
• Add a neutral coat of fresh paint.
• Have the carpeting professionally cleaned.
• Leave your house during all showings and, if possible, take pets with you. Remember, potential buyers need to be able to picture themselves at home which is difficult to accomplish with the current owner present.