Preparing Your Home For Sale:: Preparing your home properly helps you achieve a higher sale price and a more rapid sale. Many of the tasks that make a big difference in how prospective buyers see your home don't take an extraordinary amount of time or money.   Exterior – Create curb appeal Paint the exterior a neutral color (don’t forget to paint doors, shutters and the mailbox). Lawn – Fertilize the lawn, mow the lawn and place pine straw or bark around trees and shrubs. Shrubs – cut overgrown bushes back and trim shrubs around the windows Flowers – seasonal flowers are not expensive and add color to your home. Windows – replace all broken window panes, clean the windows inside and out. Sidewalk / Driveways – sweep all walkways and driveways to remove dirt and oil stains. Consider pressure washing these areas. Clutter – remove all clutter from the yard such as toys, garbage, old flowerpots, etc.   Interior – Neutral and clean Paint your home a neutral color. Repair all cracks, holes and stains. Odors – eliminate pet, smoke, mildew and other homes that may distract buyers. Clutter free – organize and clean your home. Remove excess pictures, books, furniture and clothes to maximize the feeling of openness. Appliances/Bathrooms – these are often over-looked. Clean appliances and bathrooms so - it is spotless. Fresh caulk around the tub and shower is a good idea. Repairs – make repairs to faucets, leaking sinks, doors, lights…etc… Remove collectibles and personal photographs so buyers will concentrate on the home and not you’re personal items. Comfort – keep the home cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Rearrange furniture to create a warm and inviting feeling. Light and bright, open all curtains and turn on all lights and lamps so the home will show well.