When it comes time to selling your home, take a good look around the place with an open mind. Of course everyone wants to squeeze as much out of their home as possible when they put it on the market. Being realistic about the condition and style will help to get it prepared for resale.

Unfortunately, changing big items does not pay off the way one would expect. In reality, it's the little things that will bring in the asking price.

Walk around your home taking notes on details such as lighting fixtures, hardware and especially the condition of the paint. Take a walk outside and survey the landscaping. Don't forget to critique the back yard also. Start by giving the entire home, inside and outside, a good cleaning. Declutter to create an open air living space. Most buyers do not want to walk into a home that is filled with stuff. In reality, it makes a home look much smaller than it actually is.

Maybe you've always thought expanding the kitchen would make for a better home, but when you're in the process of putting your home on the market, it's not the time to think big and grand. By all means, make sure that the kitchen is exceptionally clean. Leaving counter tops empty is probably your best bet.

Pick out neutral colored paint, call your friends and family together then have a painting party! Paint all of the walls, doors and baseboards with fresh paint. Replace old or dated hardware. Have your carpets cleaned. Get out your work gloves and get outside. Fertilize the lawn, prune the shrubs, toss in new bedding plants or just rid the beds of stray weeds. You'll feel better and actually like the results.

Another consideration is to make sure all bathrooms are in the same state of updating. If you have remodelled one, it's best to go ahead and remodel the others. Try to obtain balance throughout the house so that buyers don't find the house wonderful until they step into an old, out of date bathroom that tells them they have some work to do in order to achieve balance.