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. A little preparation in a tight market can go a long way.

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 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 pre-listing home inspection before the house is placed on the market also has many powerful benefits. A pre-listing 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 pre-listing inspections, go to www.npiweb.com.