Get a storage unit

Anyone who tours your home is going to check out the storage spaces, which means that disorganized, overstuffed closets only serve as evidence that your home is lacking in that department. Opt instead for a storage unit to house the things you won’t need while your home is on the market. The general rule? Get rid of a third of your stuff. If you don’t use it every day, store it. This includes holiday decorations, baby gear, seasonal clothes and the bread maker you’ve never used. Bonus: If you choose a portable unit, it can be transported to your new home, making moving day a cinch.

Hire a professional to stage and photograph your home

A professional home stager sees your home from a buyer’s perspective—a good one understands how to highlight its strengths and soften its flaws. Your buyer’s first impression will be the listing photos, and studies show that homes with more than six listing photos online are twice as likely to be viewed by buyers. But not everyone wants their home staged (or has the money for it). Another option: Have a friend stand at the curb and walk through the house with fresh eyes to offer their perspective on decluttering, and then the agent can go through from a marketing standpoint.

Find the right real estate agent

Don’t hire a real estate agent just because they’re also a die-hard fan of your college football team or they’re from your hometown. What really matters? A track record of sales that proves they know how to sell your house fast. Are they familiar with the benefits (and negatives) of your neighborhood? Can they walk into your home and tell you precisely what buyers will love and hate? One way to be sure is to check the online client reviews and feedback on all of the agents you’re considering. You also should make sure your agent promotes their properties online. Make sure they hire a professional to take photos and includes a variety of photos on their site and social media.

Remove personalized items

Removing personal photographs or memorabilia will allow the prospective buyer to imagine themselves living in your house and make it easier to focus on the home’s highlighted features. In the same respect, don’t distract from the house itself with art, which could be unappealing to a buyer.

Make small upgrades

Don’t go overboard on major remodels. Chances are, you won’t get your money back. Instead, focus on small upgrades, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom, where you’re most likely to see a return on investment. A new sink and cabinet hardware in the kitchen, or light fixtures, shower curtains and hand towels in the bathroom, are inexpensive but can instantly transform your space. Rather than splurging $30,000 on a full kitchen remodel, get rid of your unmatched old appliances and spend $3,500 on a new stainless-steel appliance suite. Small upgrades can have a big impact.

Light it up

A dark or poorly lit home feels damp and depressing. Brighten it up by using natural and artificial light. Get the highest wattage light bulb for that light fixture, and it will instantly brighten up the room, and when you leave for showings, turn on the lights and open curtains and blinds. A fresh coat of paint also can brighten a room. A deep cleaning also will help brighten baseboards, windows, and light fixtures.

Amp up the curb appeal

Your home’s exterior is typically the first thing a buyer sees in person and on listing sites. If it doesn’t look good, a buyer won’t even consider looking at the interior shots. Tidy up your yard by trimming and shaping hedges, refreshing mulch and edging the lawn. Consider pressure-washing your house, walkways and driveway, or even adding a fresh coat of paint to your trim and shutters. Everything matters—even things as small as the brass on your front door. Polish the kick-plate and doorknob, and clean any cobwebs or bird droppings off your front porch. Flowers, particularly near the entryway, add a hint of color, making your home feel alive and inviting.

Sell at the right time

Spring and summer are typically known as the best time to sell your home. If you can wait until then to list, you should consider it. But be forewarned that increased inventory means spring and summer buyers can afford to be pickier—so make sure your home is in tip-top shape. You also need to price your house just right. Just because you want to sell for a certain amount doesn’t mean your home is worth your magic number. Do your own research about area comps, get listing price suggestions from a couple of agents and then listen to your agent when it comes to negotiating.