by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: June 16, 2009

When you begin to think about selling your home, the first thing that you consider is how much you will list the home for. The next thing you think of is how much you will actually accept for the home and how that relates to your pay-off if there is a mortgage still on the property and what the bottom line profit margin will look like for you after all expenses related to the sale are paid. Of course, you want to get the highest price possible, but you may be feeling a bit helpless, especially as you look around at the current housing market situation.

Don't feel like all hope is lost! There are actually several things that you can do which will increase the perceived value of your home in the eyes of potential buyers without first costing you an arm and a leg. Be careful, though, that you aren't making improvements that will not profit you in the end. The following is a list of ten tips that can help you to sell your house for a better price and one that you will actually see as a profit, even after you have paid the small investment of having the work completed, where applicable.

1-Increase your home's curb appeal. Go across the street and take a fresh look at how the exterior of your home is presenting to others. Make sure that your lawn is green and mowed, put in new barkdust or at least rake what you have now so that the underlayer is brought to the top, edge and weed all flowerbeds, clean up porches and patios, sweep walkways and driveways, and powerwash your house. If the trim needs repainting, this is a job that you can do yourself for very little cost. Check gutters. Wash windows and doors thoroughly.

2-The interior of your home will be greatly enhanced by a fresh coat of paint. Not only will you have an updated look, but new paint will also cover odors that have accumulated since the last paint job.

3-If your lighting is out of date, consider getting some more modern fixtures. If lighting is too dim, buy brighter bulbs or some lamps to brighten the home. At the least, be sure that all light covers are clean and free of dust.

4-Order a home inspection before listing your home. This will cost a few hundred dollars, but it will give you the chance to make any necessary repairs. This may avoid re-negotiations being made after an original offer is presented to you. If you are also willing to share the results of the home inspection and re-inspection after repairs have been made, this will save your buyer money upfront and

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