In today's real estate market, sellers need to know how to prepare their homes in order to sell quickly. Although some homes require major renovations and upgrades, many require small modifications.

Here are some quick and inexpensive fixes home sellers can perform to make their homes more appealing to prospective buyers:

• Clear driveway and front walk from obstructions and trip hazards, and cut back overgrown bushes and limbs
• Make sure the deck and stair railings are secured correctly
• Clean gutters of debris
• Replace all burnt out light bulbs
• Make sure that the trim, especially around the door and garage, is freshly painted without chips or cracks
• Make sure all rooms are accessible to potential buyers and  free of clutter

Hiring a property inspector to perform a prelisting home inspection before the house is placed on the market also has many powerful benefits. A prelisting inspection can:

• Identify problem areas that can be easily repaired
• Help the seller receive top dollar for their home
• Reduce the chance of price renegotiations
• Avoid closing delays and sell the home faster

For more information on a home inspection, commercial property inspection or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.