OK, so you made the decision to put your home on the market. It sounded like such a good idea at the time, but now you're feeling overwhelmed. Where . . . and how should you begin? The answer - begin at the beginning! Look at your home through "buyers eyes", the same eyes you are going to look through when you are the one out looking for your next home. This can be a difficult task because over time we become so accustomed to our surroundings, it's hard to see them at all. You may want to consult with a professional home stager who has been trained to look at your home unemotionally and objectively. They will help guide you through this very important first step of preparing your home to sell.

Buyers in today's market are not looking for a tired home with potential, better known as a 'fixer - upper'. They are looking for a home that has obviously been well maintained, and is in showcase, move in condition. Selling a home in "As-Is" condition is quickly becoming a thing of the past. It may still work when selling cars, but NOT houses!

The National Association of Realtors has reported that the average buyer will look at twelve plus homes, some multiple times, before submitting an offer to buy. Currently we have a market that is glutted with inventory in both existing and new homes. Buyers can afford to be pickier than ever before . . .they are aware of this . . . and so they are!

Because homebuilders are paying interest on an enormous amount of standing inventory, they are more than willing to lower prices, offer incentives such as a free pool, Mini Cooper car in the garage, pay all closing costs etc. For sellers of existing homes who aren't able to offer such lavish incentives, it has become extremely more difficult to be competitive in this demanding market. Therefore, it has never been more important for sellers of existing homes to go the 'extra mile', (or two or three), in preparing their homes to be presented in their best possible light.

It has been proven that minor repairs and cosmetic improvements not only help sell properties more quickly, but they can save you literally thousands at the negotiating table. If left to the buyers, statistics show they will factor in two to three times the actual costs of the anticipated repairs, a large price to pay by anyones standards. While you may not like the idea of putting more money into a property that you plan to sell, view it as a necessary investment which will add greater aesthetic value, and ultimately result in a home that is better prepared to compete in this market.

Buyers are savvy, and will automatically start discounting the asking price of a home in their minds with each cosmetic deficiency and minor repair that they see. That's why it is critical that you critique, identify, and eliminate these concerns before they even become an issue.

The following is a list of inexpensive repairs, remodeling ideas, and areas of concern you should address to not only reduce the amount of time that your home is on the market, but also insure that you get top dollar for your home:

* Pay attention to curb appeal. The exterior of your home is the most important 'first impression' buyers form, and will determine if they even want to look at the home . . . or walk away. Make necessary repairs such as adding a fresh coat of paint to trim, shutters,around windows and doors, and updating the colors if necessary. Make sure that your gutters are clear of debris and in good repair. Replace them if needed.

* Landscaping is another very important area, instrumental in demonstrating how you have cared for the home. Your lawn should be well manicured, mulched and planted with seasonal flowers to enhance the look of the home and grab the buyers attention.

* Fresh, professionally cleaned carpeting is a must. Again, replace if necessary. There is no greater turn off to a buyer than a carpet that looks stained, dirty, and, or smells! Remember, people buy what they see . . . and smell. With so many houses on the market to choose from, they aren't going to settle.

* Painting is a quick and affordable way to spruce up, cheer up and lighten up a home. Rooms which are freshly painted in todays colors will bring an added aesthetic value to the home. Color can also be used to accentuate and highlight key architectural features of the home .

* Kitchens and Bathrooms are hot buttons for buyers. Make sure all appliances and plumbing fixtures are in perfect working order. If they are not, replace them. You can easily and affordably change the look of cabinetry by adding stylish pulls, refacing, and adding new countertops in a solid surface to update the look. Backsplashes can transform the look of a kitchen by featuring mosaic tiles or tumbled stone. Repair caulking and replace towel bars and rings, soap and paper holders for a stylish, more up to date look.

Remember, homebuyers today are ultimately looking for a home that projects the image of being well loved and cared for. They want a home that is in showcase, move-in condition, not one sold "As-Is", initially requiring a great deal of both their time and money. Paying attention to details, presentation, and necessary repairs will go a long way in projecting this image, and getting your house sold.