It's time to get your home in "showing and selling" condition. Most of us don't keep our homes in the condition they need to be in to be sold. Piles of boxes in the garage, a broken porch light and even an overgrown garden just seem normal after awhile. It's time to break out of that owner's mindset and get your house in tip-top shape. How your home looks will impact how quickly it sells and the price the buyer is willing to offer.

First impressions are the most important. Work with your real estate agent to help you take a fresh look at your home. Do the shrubs need pruning? Do you need to repaint? What's normal for you may be unacceptable to the buyer.

• Make your interior appear more spacious by removing appliances from countertops, and clearing knickknacks off coffee tables and shelves.
• Organize your closets and kitchen cabinets.
• Make sure items stored in the attic or basement are tidy.
• Open the curtains or blinds during the day to maximize the natural light.
• Turn on the lights at night to create a welcoming environment for prospective buyers.
• A home with too much "personality" is harder to sell. Consider painting walls white and removing clutter. This will help the buyer to visualize the home as theirs.