When it comes to prepping the house for sale often what seems like a good idea really isn't and can end up costing you a great deal of dollars in the end, or it can even cost you a sale altogether in blue world city.

1. Doing-it-yourselfing when you shouldn't Do you have trouble painting? Please don't try. Do you want to see if you can get by on just 1 coat? Don't paint at all. Stripping wallpaper but not bothering to fix any damage to the wall due to it. Don't remove it from the beginning. Do you want to put mortar on patios or walkways using sand purchased from a big-box store? Don't. Do not. Using synthetic wood decking as "wood" for a windowsill? Really? Don't. Don't tackle any home repair or improvement projects that you don't possess the knowledge to tackle effectively. Repairing a damaged item will cost you more money and time over the long term.

2. The cover-up of smells is with smells A deodorizer conveys one thing to potential buyers: "This house smells even worse without this synthetic 'fresh' smell." Call me crazy but I'd rather smell cat urine (not actually) or old smoke from cigarettes than anything the owner used to cover it up. Cookies baking? It's always a good idea however anything that is synthetic, whether it's a candle with a scent as well as a deodorizer for carpets just adds a smell that is much more apparent.

3. Dismissing or forgetting storage Areas - It goes without saying that potential buyers will be opening every single thing! So whether it is your closet for clothes, linen closet or your basement or attic to clean it clean! A messy storage space can convey the impression that you're lazy or messy in other areas of your life , and even the appearance of your house...both of which can leave a prospect a bad feeling about your house or worse yet, a reason to start looking for trouble.

4. Re-decorating with a style that is just as personal as the decor you first created. I'm not required to say this, but don't replace wallpaper with wallpaper. Don't choose yellow paint in the process of repainting your bedroom. Do not organize all your picture frames on the table into stylish multi-photo frames and place them on the wall. Think "neutral", personality neutral...in designs, colors and styles.

5. Preparing the house? What's that? - This one should be obvious, but you'd be amazed at how many homeowners just dial a Realtor(r) and place the sign up in their yard and expect their house to sell. You must prepare your home to the best of your ability if you want to sell it at a reasonable price in the shortest amount of time...and that is not dependent on the condition of the market in the area you live.