Selling your home can be a very stressful experience. There are so many things to think about, and making even one mistake could cost you a sale. The most important thing to remember is that the moment you placed that "For Sale" sign in your yard, your beloved home became a public commodity. Put yourself in a business frame of mind, and it'll be easier to sort out what you need to do, and what you need to avoid.

Once that sign is up, you could receive calls from buyers at any time. Make sure that you take all of the necessary steps to ready your home before prospective buyers visit. Homebuyers like to be able to see your home on their schedule, so being ready at the drop of a hat will impress even the pickiest potential buyers.

See Your Home With a Buyer's Eyes

Preparing your home for sale can be a complicated task. When you know that you're ready to sell, think long and hard about what needs to be done before any buyers see your house. A common mistake that home sellers make is not taking care of repairs. You might think that you can knock a few thousand dollars off your asking price and let the buyers handle fixing the problems, but it doesn't usually work that way. The vast majority of buyers, even if they express desire for a fixer-upper, will be turned off by a house that appears less than perfect.

If you're unsure of what to do to improve your home's first impression, ask a trusted friend or family member for their honest opinion. Do you really need new carpet, or would a steam cleaning be sufficient? It can be hard for you to be objective about your own home, so whenever possible, ask for a second opinion.

Be a Neat Freak!

The three major cosmetic things that make buyers run for the door are bad odors, clutter, and outdated or dirty fixtures and decorating.

The worst odor offenders are cigarette smoke and pets. You should be able to rid your home of these smells with a thorough cleaning, but resolve to keep the problems at bay. Smoke outside, and ask guests to do the same. Keep pets outdoors or in the garage. A word to the wise - scented candles and air freshener sprays may mask the odors temporarily, but sensitive buyers will still be able to smell them - they will think you have something to hide!

If your house is cluttered and crowded, buyers will be left with the impression that your home is small, regardless of its actual square footage. Consider renting a storage unit, or if that's out of your budget, ask a friend if you can store a few items in their basement or garage. Start by removing personal items, such as family portraits, souvenirs, collectibles, children's' art projects, etc. When your house is an impersonal canvas, buyers immediately begin to envision their own photos and decor. It really does help a buyer see the house as their potential home. Also, remove as much excess furniture as you are able to. This will create the feeling of large, open spaces. Plus, buyers will feel much more comfortable if they can move around unobstructed.

Lastly, be aware of dirty, dingy fixtures and outdated decorating styles. Make sure that all of your windows are sparkling clean inside and out. Take down curtains when you can, and if you must return them to the windows, wash them before re-hanging. Make sure all blinds and lighting fixtures are cleaned. If there is any peeling wallpaper, repair it or remove it. Give the walls and ceilings a fresh coat of paint. Steam clean all carpets, and polish any hardwood floors. Check all of the areas that you don't clean on a regular basis. Think windowsills, baseboards, tile grout and any other area you can think of. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to do a top-to-bottom cleaning of the entire house before you begin showing it.

Keep Up the Good Work

Now that your house is in tip-top shape, make sure that you don't get out of the routine. You never know when a buyer might ask to stop by, or even just show up at your doorstep! Begin each day by doing a quick room-by-room sweep. In the bedrooms, make all the beds, pick up any clothes or toys on the floor, open the curtains and blinds, and check the closets for disorder. In the living room, dining room, and family room, pick up any clutter and check the tables for dust. Open your curtains, turn off any electronics, fluff and straighten couch cushions, and push in chairs. Give the kitchen a once-over by washing any dishes or loading the dishwasher, emptying the trash, checking the refrigerator for any bad smells, and wiping down the table, counters, and island. Go through the bathrooms and laundry room, picking up any towels or clothes, and wiping the surfaces.

If you start every day by making sure that you're prepared for a pop-in visitor, you'll eliminate a lot of stress. If you know that you have an appointment that day, you might want to try baking bread, cookies, or brownies. The smell is so homey and inviting, plus you'll have something nice to offer the potential buyers for a snack! A good first impression is always important, so give buyers what they want to see.