HOME APPEAL

Studies show that we make up our minds about people withing seconds of meeting them. So it stands to reason that prospective buyers are doing the very same thing with your house.

More buyers these days are sizing up your space and making lightning-quick decisions about whether they should hop back in the car and move on to the next house.

So if you want to be sure buyers don't scurry out the door moments after they arrive, you have to create a fantastic first impression.  Not sure where to begin?  It all starts with looking at your home with fresh eyes.  Luckily, there are some steps you can follow to put your home's best face forward:

1. 'Break up' with your house

If you want to sell your property, you'll need to distance yourself from it first.  You've made it into a home, now it's time to make it into a house.  Think of it as an asset and cut the cord.  Once you put your home on the market, it's a good time to let a professional come in and market it.  If you stay emotionally attached, the process will be harder and longer.

2. Focus on curb appeal

You wouldn't wear soiled sweatpants on a first date - you'd go out of your way to look presentable.  So why would you approach the process of selling your home any differently?  Your home's first impression starts with the exterior, so take a good look at what you're presenting to the world: What's the first thing you notice?  It it's peeling paint, dirty windows, and dead plants, you have work to do.  Ask yourself: 'If I was buying this home now, what would my expectations be?'

Remove debris such as fallen tree limbs and leaves.  Keep grass and shrubs trimmed, freshen up the mulch in your flowerbeds, and clear away lawn clutter such as yard ornaments, garden tools, and that circa 2007 Big Wheel.  Putting out some flowers in front of the house or by the front door always makes people smile; it creates the warmth before they even get inside.  Invest in a new doormat and consider replacing old address numbers and your mailbox if it's worn or rusty.  Patch cracks in the driveway and, while you're at it, give the front door a fresh coat of paint or stain.

3. Ditch as much of your stuff as possible

So now that you've addressed the outside, you have to work on your home's inner beauty.  Decluttering is your first priority.  So start clearing out the junk and depersonalizing the space - toss or hide mementos, kids' drawings, and most knickknacks.  The main goal is for potential buyers to envision themselves in your home and they can't do that if your stuff is everywhere they look.  All signs of you should be gone.

That said, take care to find a balance; you don't want the home to feel sterile - and you'll want to make sure that none of your rooms are completely empty, a tactic that tends to make a space actually smaller.

4. Fix the broken stuff

This should be obvious, but perhaps even you've forgotten about that faulty light switch in the upstairs hallway.  The thing is, buyers will notice it almost immediately.  So here's a mini to-do list to tackle those minor issues fast:

 - Check for leaks throughout the house.  A drip may not seem important, but it suggests lousy maintenance everywhere.

 - Check and repair loose door handles and cabinet hinges.

 - Caulk around tubs and sinks.

 - Replace lightbulbs that don't work.  yes, every single one.

Bottom line: Meet and exceed a buyer's expectations by paying extra attention to the fine details.

5. Plan a small makeover that packs a punch

You might not want (or be able) to do major renovations before putting your property on the market.  But if you focus your attention on the kitchen, bathrooms, and flooring you caon boost a tired home's overall appearance without completely busting your budget.  Homeowners can easily change our countertops and appliances, or paint cabinets.  You may want to restain the floors or repaint the walls.  Keep the carpets?  Make sure to splurge on getting them cleaned, especially in high traffic areas - it'll immediately brighten a room.

6. Appeal to senses

Once your home is clean and decluttered, think about how you can engage potential through other senses; play soft music during showings, or have a nice water feature outside if you live in a noisy neighborhood.  Soft throws and textured fabrics will warm up a space.  Brewing fresh coffee and baking cookies makes your house smell great.  Remember not to clean your house the day of showing; harsh chemicals can be overpowering, and may turn off potential buyers.

7. Keep up appearances - indefinitely

Unless you're in a red-hot market, your home might not sell immediately after it's listed.  Remember that every week, you might have potential buyers traipsing through - sometimes without much notice.  While it might not be easy keeping your house in tiptop shape for days on end, try to remember that the effort you put in now will pay off later - when that one buyer is so wowed by her first impression that she makes an offer you won't refuse.