With a little help from you, your home can be sold more
                    quickly and at a better price. These 20 tips have proved
                    invaluable to owners and are worth special attention.

                    1. First impressions are lasting. The front door greets the
                    prospect. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking.
                    Keep the lawn trimmed and edged and the yard free of
                    refuse. Walks, steps, and driveways should be clear of
                    snow, ice, and debris.

                    2. Decorate for a quick sale. Faded walls and worn
                    woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how
                    your home could look when a little redecorating can show
                    it? A quicker sale at a higher price will result.

                    3. Let the sun shine in. Open the draperies and curtains to
                    show how cheerful your home can be.

                    4. Fix the faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and
                    suggests faulty plumbing.

                    5. Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs,
                    sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and
                    other minor flaws detract from the home value. Have them
                    fixed.

                    6. From top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic,
                    basement, and other utility space by removing all
                    unnecessary articles. Brighten dark basements by painting
                    walls.

                    7. Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered
                    appearance and possible injuries.

                    8. Make closets look bigger. Neat, well ordered closets
                    show that space is ample.

                    9. Bathrooms help sell homes. Repair all caulking in
                    showers and bathtubs. Make this room sparkle.

                    10. Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture.
                    Use attractive bedspreads and curtains.

                    11. Can you see the light. Illumination is like a welcome
                    sign. The potential buyer will feel a glowing warmth when
                    you turn on all your lights.

                    12. Three's a crowd. Avoid having too many people
                    present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like
                    an intruder and will hurry through the house.

                    13. Music is mellow. Turn off the television and have only
                    soft music on the radio or stereo.

                    14. Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way, preferably
                    out of the house.

                    15. Silence is golden. Buyers want to inspect your house,
                    not pay a social call. Don't force conversation.

                    16. Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for the
                    appearance of your home. Let the trained salesperson
                    answer any objections..

                    17. In the background. The salesperson knows the buyers
                    requirements and can better emphasize the features of your
                    home when you don't tag along.

                    18. Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to dispose
                    of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before the
                    buyer has purchased the house often loses a sale.

                    19. Don't oversell. You house will sell itself if it's what the
                    buyer is looking for.