by Debbie Robus

Created on: June 25, 2008

For any number of reasons, selling your house quickly can become of major importance. This may seem like a daunting task, and nothing is guaranteed, but if you follow some simple strategies, you will definitely have a better chance of a favorable - and speedy - outcome.

My husband and I have sold several homes - some more quickly than others, and some with realtors - others "by owner." While there were extenuating circumstances that contributed to some homes selling more quickly than others, there was a pervading theme that set our potential for a quick and profitable sale above the competition.

1) The most important word in home sales circles today is: declutter. Turn on HGTV, TLC, DIY, or the Style channel and you will find shows about selling your house, and the first thing the experts do is declutter. They remove all evidence of personal tastes - photos and magnets on the fridge, family photos (especially in common living areas), children's toys (except maybe in designated "play areas"), and evidence of pets and their toys. If you park your boat in the driveway, store it while your house is on the market. Don't give potential buyers the impression you don't have adequate storage/parking space. Ditto for big items inside the house that don't seem to have a "place" and bulging closets. Pare down, store the excess in an attic or storage unit, and give buyers the appearance of a spacious, comfortable home!

2) Clean, clean, and clean again! I can't tell you how important it is to present EVERY inch of your property in spotless condition. That means attending to not only the clutter and cleanliness of the interior of your home, but also knocking down cobwebs, stray leaves, dirt and grime and any appearance of disrepair outside. If your house has vinyl siding, do a good power washing. Otherwise, do a good hosing of all surfaces. Wash all windows inside and out (vinegar and water and a lint-free rag are cheap and most effective). Sweep, pull weeds, and clean the exterior doors. Your home can be spotless inside, but if a potential buyer knocks on a door that has dusty trim and/or cobwebs overhead, they will have a pervading sense that the rest of the house is dirty or unkempt, as well.

Most of the "sell your house" shows will tell you to neutralize the colors and decor, and there is something to this, but I have sold homes with "black raspberry" walls and/or wallpapered rooms. I even sold one with a wallpaper border of "cowboy cats" in the powder room. But the homes

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