You've worked hard to own your present home. When it's time to sell, how would you feel about receiving only a bargain price for it? That's what can happen, unless you take time to review your home's condition before you sell.

Every homebuyer, no matter the price range, wants to own their idea of a castle - their dream home. It's not difficult to understand that such an image probably does not allow room for cracked windowpanes, leaky roofs, outdated carpet, and unsightly caulking on bathroom tile. You get the picture.

Before selling your home, ask your real estate agent to do a “walk-through.” Make notes of any items discovered which are likely to drive buyers away. These can range from needed major repairs to minor (and annoying) leaky faucets. Look for anything that could be singled out as a negative feature of your home, and then correct it.

It is a well-known rule of thumb that buyers tend to offer as much as $2 less for each $1 in needed repairs to a home. Why give away your equity and encourage buyers to look elsewhere?

Complete all repairs and improvements before your home is ever shown. This allows buyers to see an attractive no-excuses home, and encourages them to offer full price. That is your objective, isn't it?