After you have decided to sell your house, you must prepare the house accordingly. The look of your house will be the first impression the buyer gets. So you need to prepare your house very carefully, to give the right message.

The first thing that the prospective buyer sees is the exteriors. Make any necessary repairs. If you have a lawn or garden, make it attractive. Check that the sidewalks and driveways are free of weeds and clutter. Make enough room to walk comfortably on steps, balconies, patios, etc. Clear away any unnecessary furniture and articles. Also, all pathways and rooms should have sufficient lighting. Ensure that all doors, windows and cupboards are openable. Try to remove clutter from the basement and garage. Have the house professionally cleaned, especially carpets and draperies. Any pending repairs and painting should be undertaken before listing the house for sale. Bathroom and kitchen fixtures should be in proper working condition. All pet areas and bathrooms should be cleaned thoroughly. Check that there are no clogged drains or rain gutters causing seepage and dampness. Spray an insecticide to get rid of bugs. And if you are still not sure how to prepare the house for selling, you can hire a professional inspector who can recommend what changes and repairs you need to do before selling your house. It will give you a third-party perspective of improvements required.

Additionally, it is a good idea to remove your personal imprints from the rooms. If you have too many family photos hung around, it can put the buyer off. And if you have a list of all the special features of your house and location, it can give a good impression to the buyer. Also list what items and accessories you are selling along with the house. Keep all your old bills handy for inspection. And before any prospective viewer comes, try to air the house properly so that any smells can be eliminated. You could use air fresheners or even coffee aroma for a more subtle effect. And try to keep your pets in control during the visit. Last but not least, try to disconnect your emotions from the house. Eventually it can turn out be in your favor, since you will have to part with the property.