by Pamela Gentry

Created on: May 06, 2009   Last Updated: May 09, 2009

Are you a homeowner who is ready to sell? In today's shaky economy and flooded housing market, isn't it wise to consider taking steps to make your home more sellable? First of all, consider how much time, effort and money you are willing to put into making your house more marketable.

If you were buying a home and walked into a property which was for sale, think about what types of things you would like to see, and what qualities this home would have.

First impressions are everything. Pretend you are the buyer and look around your home for any areas that need attention.

IIs your home full of clutter? Having too much stuff lying around will make your home look unappealing to a potential buyer. Your collection of "things," which may be meaningful to you, may be a distracting eyesore to others. Rooms that have too much furniture or random stuff will give the impression of the house not having enough space.

Think about rearranging furniture and decor in your home. If this isn't your thing, think about any friends that you have who might enjoy helping you with this. Sometimes just moving a few items around can make a huge difference in the way that each room looks, by better utilizing the space in the home. Placing decorative items in key places will help draw attention to areas which you want to be noticed.

Do you keep a clean house? People associate a cluttered house with a dirty house. Once you have packed away extra "stuff," it is important to keep your home as clean as possible. Potential buyers who enter a home that is clean and organized may assume that the property has been well taken care of. When you know that you are about to have a visitor, make sure that it is as clean as it can be. Turning on all of the lights in the house will also help the house look more appealing.

Why not let in some fresh air by opening the windows? If a potential buyer walks in your home and it has a moldy or smoky smell, they will definitely move on to the next. Choose an air freshener with a fresh clean scent and avoid perfumes, as many people are sensitive to strong fragrance.

Doing all of the above measures is free. However, doing these things will not seal the deal alone. If you want to increase your chances of selling your home, you may need to look into doing some home remodeling. Consider your budget and how far you are willing to go to sell your home.

The number one area that buyers are concerned about is your kitchen. Large, spacious kitchens with lots of cabinets are the most desired. If you have old, worn out kitchen appliances, outdated wall treatments, cheap linoleum floors, scratched or chipped countertops, or old-fashioned cabinets in your kitchen, you will have a very hard time selling your home. If within your budget, seriously consider having granite countertops installed. Granite is a great material because it is scratch and burn resistant, and looks shiny and new. Consider what modifications you are willing to make and take care of it right away.

The same concept applies to the master bathroom. This is another important area where buyers are looking for an updated and fresh, clean look. If within your budget, think about replacing old cabinets and countertops in this important area as well.

Sometimes making small changes can turn a "no" into a "yes."

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