The housing market in Texas remains one of the most solid and stable in the nation and while many people are now in the market to buy a new home, they are faced with the challenge of selling their existing home. And for many, selling their existing home means having the ability to purchase the new home they have wanted. The key to selling a home successfully remains the same despite the economy and housing market conditions – make your home more appealing than any other on the market.

A home listed for sale will often be seen by many different potential buyers so it’s important to make a home appear clean, uncluttered and neutral in color. In other words – make it a place in which someone could picture themselves living.

Some common sense steps and preparation can prepare your home for sale and make it shine at a showing:

De-Personalize – many real estate experts advise people to remove photos and so that potential buyers can view the home as one they may live in, not picturing someone else in the home.

De-Clutter– This will enhance the home’s overall appeal, making it appear cleaner and even larger. Keep in mind, that if you don’t need it, get rid of it and consider the following:
•    Remove all books from bookcases.
•    Pack up those knickknacks.
•    Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
•    Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.

Organize and de-clutter bedroom closets and kitchen cabinets. Home shoppers love to open closet doors, drawers and cabinets. Send a message as having clean, spacious and organized home. It also says that you have taken good care of the house. In the pantry, organize and in the cabinets, make dishes and cups uniform, lining them up neatly. Hang clothes neatly in closets and stack shoes.

Rent a Storage Unit. In addition to having a place to store clutter you may not want to throw away, a storage unit is a great place to put extra furniture, making rooms look more spacious. It’s even a good idea to remove extra leaves from a table and arrange furniture so that the room’s purpose is easily seen. This is also where you can store the clutter you may have taken out of your home but are not ready  

Remove/Replace Favorite Items. Don’t leave anything in the house that you expect to keep, such as a favorite chandelier or window coverings. If you do replace these things, you can even use it as a selling tool, letting a buyer know that he or she can have the items.

Make sure minor repairs are made.Common repairs that will make the house show better and leave an impression of quality include:
•    Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
•    Patch holes in walls.
•    Fix leaky faucets.
•    Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
•    Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls. (Don't give buyers any reason to remember your home as "the house with the orange bathroom.")
•    Replace burned-out light bulbs.
•    If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!

Make the House Sparkle.
•    Wash windows inside and out.
•    Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
•    Clean out cobwebs.
•    Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
•    Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
•    Clean out the refrigerator.
•    Vacuum daily.
•    Wax floors.
•    Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
•    Bleach dingy grout.
•    Replace worn rugs.
•    Hang up fresh towels.
•    Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows.
•    Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.

Create curb appeal– This is the first impression on every potential buyer – make sure your home is a place that makes someone want to see it. Be sure to:  
•    Keep the sidewalks cleared.
•    Keep the lawn mowed.
•    Paint faded window trim.
•    Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive.
•    Trim your bushes.
•    Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.