Low cost ways to increase your Home's resale value

These are not meant to be harsh criticisms of anyone.  Just general ideas to help you get the best price as a seller.

1.  GET SERIOUS

If you are 100% sure you're going to sell, then you need to prep your house for sale.  Do you need to paint rooms?  Do you have anything that could be dangerous - broken stairs or railings?  Walk through the entire house room by room and try to look at it like you are seeing it for the first time.  Don't forget the exterior.  If you find something need outside, take care of that too.  Trim bushes and hedges.  remove debris from the yard.

2.  REDUCE CLUTTER

No one looking at your home will care about your tchotchkes.  They need to see themselves in the home.  Box up your collections and put them in storage.  Remove any extra furniture that is just decorative.  Again, if there is extra stuff in the yard, remove that as well.

3.  GET ORGANIZED

Put all of the homes paperwork together.  Roof info, appliances info (If they are staying).  Put all of the info in a folder for the next home owner.  Also, take note of any new or recent repairs or upgrades that you can provide the realtor.  Make sure your electrical panel is properly labeled.  Check and make a note of any utilities shutoffs.

4.  GET AMAZING PHOTOS OF YOU HOUSE

Don't just whip out your camera phone and start snapping images.  You can rent a DSLR camera or hire a professional photographer to take your photos.  Here are some tips on getting great photos of your home.

• Use a DSLR Camera on a tripod - add a spirit level so that the images are straight
• Take the photo using camera Raw
• Take a panoramic shot of wide houses or rooms
• Color correct images so that the interior shots all have the same color cast to them
• Convert shots to realistic HDR images - don't overdo
• Train your eye to see your house from an artist's perspective

These photos were taken of my parent's house before they sold it.