It doesn't have to cost a lot to get your home ready to sell -- but it can cost YOU a lot of money in a lower sales price if you don't prepare your home for a sale.  Buyers have options when searching for a house, so when they visit your home they usually make a mental checklist of things that are Right and Wrong with a property.  Sometimes, simple fixes and inexpensive repairs can increase your sale price as well as help sell your home faster.

Consider some of these things to improve the "marketing" of your home:

- Practice thorough yard maintenance.

- Reseal cracks in concrete areas. 

- Power-wash the exterior.

- Clean and align gutters and downspouts.

- Clean the chimney.

- Remove oil stains from the driveway and garage. Sweep walks and driveway.

- Wash windows.

- Thoroughly clean the interior.

- Repair damage to all indoor surfaces.

- Repair drippy faucets and showerheads.

- Unclog slow drains.

- Shampoo carpets, scrub and wax linoleum, and wood floors.

- Clean out the fireplace.

- Mend torn window screens. Clean out window tracks.

- Replace burned-out light bulbs.

- Renail creaking boards or stairs; lubricate squeaking doors.

- Clean all appliances.

- Replace toilet seats and shower curtains.

- Clear away all cobwebs.

- Wash all light switches, handrails, and doorknobs.