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Easy Facelifts to Sell Your Home Now

Fortunately for sellers, home prices are rising, inventory is low and the number of contracts to buy existing homes in March rose to the highest level in nearly three years, according to the National Association of Realtors. Although the market is strong, if you overlook important home updates and repairs in rushing to put up that for-sale sign, you could hurt your chances of getting your asking price.

With simple outdoor repairs, interior cosmetic fixes and a good scrubbing, you can make your house shine for prospective buyers. Here's how:

Do a clean sweep. A dirty home is an immediate turnoff. While sellers frequently focus on tidying up high-traffic areas, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, many forget to clean the oven, furnace and baseboards. And don't forget floors and ceilings, which buyers pay close attention to. Sellers often make the mistake of simply painting over a stain in the ceiling when the whole ceiling needs to be repainted, says Chris Dossman, a real estate agent with Century 21 Scheetz in Indianapolis. She also recommends that homeowners with stained carpeting consider whether it's worth replacing.