If you're planning on putting your home on the market, real estate agents suggest fixing it up first.

"One of the most important things you can do is to have your home in excellent condition when buyers visit," said Scott Hartis. Hartis is an agent with HM Properties and has listed many homes around Charlotte. He cautions his clients that buyers notice everything, so an important step to take is to spruce up your home.  

Simple cosmetic changes don't cost very much, and they can make a real difference to a buyer.

From Consumer Reports, here are four ways you can spruce up your home for a sale:


Take Out The Stuff
You should throw out, or at least hide, the clutter. Pick up old newspapers and magazines from the coffee table and put the shoes away in the coset. Don't let potential buyers be distracted by all of your stuff. Homes look better without clutter. They also look more apealing with furniture, so fill any empty rooms you may have.

Polish And Clean
You don't want to show a dirty house. Mop the floors and scrub the countertops. Clean kitchen appliances as well. If it's an older model appliance, a little shine will make it seem newer. Hartis tells clients they should make a to-do list.

"Start at the front curb, and make a list of everything that you might have let go that needs to be repaired," he said. "Once you have your list, start working to cross each issue off." If a room needs a fresh coat of paint, then paint it. Try to stay away from bright colors, which might not appeal to every buyer.

Arrange Your Furniture
A good furniture layout can change the way a room looks. According to Elaine Whitton Dave, an agent with Coldwell Banker United, Realtors, in Rock Hill, SC, you need to provide the right scale to a room. That means replacing lager pieces with smaller pieces or vice cersa to create a look that might appeal to a target buyer. Try setting up chairs or couches around a focal point such as a fireplace.

Bring In A Professional
Professionals in this arena are called stagers. Their fees can range from $200 for a two-hour consulation up to $5,000 for a full staging. But calling a professional can be worth the extra expense, said Davis.

"Having a professional give advice and add accessories, mirrors, lamps, pillows or plants can help make a home feel warm and inviting," she said.

A good resource to find a stager is the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, at http://www.iahsp.com/. You can also work with your agent to stage your home and make it ready for potential buyers.

"Most real estate agents agree," said Davis. "Staged homes sell faster, whether you hire a professional or do it yourself."