Extra Thought Can Mean Better Sales Price, Less Time on Market

A little paint here and there, shampoo on the carpets, some spackle and voila! Your house is ready to go on the market, right?

Even if you've kept your home in mint condition over the years, a little extra thought can mean thousands more in your sales price. It can also mean the difference between a week and a couple of months on the market.

Here are some projects to take care of before your home goes on the market.

• Deep cleaning of the bathrooms and kitchen, which includes replacing old toilet seats and other worn-out fixtures;

• Locate and replace rotted wood; clear overgrowth in the yard;

• Clean windows and replace carpeting, if necessary;

• If a roof is in obvious need of help, such as leaks or visible damage, make necessary repairs.

By postponing roof, wood rot or other necessary repairs, a seller can lose twice - first in a lower sales price and later when a lender requires repairs for closing.