Your home is your most important asset and when you finally decide to sell, you want to do it right.

We have compiled a list of tips you should consider when selling your home. Just like anything else, you get out of selling your home what you put into it. With just a little time and effort you can make the difference between a potential buyer choosing your house or somebody else's. Take a look at the tips below and if you have any further questions, you can contact Jim to find the answers!

• First Impressions Count - Clutter around a home's entrance can be a real turn off to a prospective buyer. Keep your lawn mowed, bushes trimmed, yard edged and clutter picked up. If you are selling your house during the winter, keep your walks shoveled, during the autumn, keep leaves raked. Also, consider painting or thoroughly cleaning your front door.

• The Little Things - Burned out bulbs, leaky faucets and creaky floors all give the impression of a worn and potentially faulty home. Take the time to replace burned out bulbs, fix leaks and screw down squeaky floors. If necessary, find a plumber or electrician to help you get this done!

• Consider Your Closets - The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now is the time to go through unwanted clothing, books, shoes, toys, etc. and donate them to a good cause!

• Faulty Flooring - Unless your carpet is old and worn or clearly outdated, you probably should do nothing more than hire a good carpet cleaner. If you do choose to replace it, do so with something inexpensive in a fairly neutral color.

• The Squeaky Wheel - Check all of your windows to make sure they open and close easily. If not, a spray of WD40 often helps. Make sure there are no cracked or broken windowpanes. If there are, replace them before you begin showing your home. Do the same things with the doors – make sure they open and close properly, without creaking.

• Keep it Anonymous - Put away family pictures, trophies, and souvenirs. Pack them in a box and rent a storage unit for a few months. You want to make your home "anonymous" so that prospects can view it as their potential home. When a buyer sees your family photo or other personal items, it puts your brand on the house and may shatter their image about living in the home themselves.

• Fix It - Make sure the water heater, furnace, thermostat, dishwasher, refrigerator, toilet, sink, and washer and dryer are functioning properly. Broken appliances can create the illusion that the house is a fixer upper.

• The Grand Entrance - Next to curb appeal, the home entryway is the 2nd most important tip. Entryways set the prospective buyers first impression so take that extra time to make it clean, warm and inviting.

• New Surroundings - If you have a fence, make sure there are no broken boards. If wood is old and worn, give it a fresh coat of paint or finish.

• Find A Professional! - Finally, use a Realtor! Realtors are trained, accountable professionals who provide valuable information and expertise to sellers through all phases of marketing, negotiations, contracts and closing. Contact me to find out the many detailed benefits of using a Realtor