Are you ready to sell your home and take advantage of the hot real estate market? If so, you’ll want to be prepared so that the process moves ahead smoothly and you can get top dollar for your house.

Before your home is put up for sale, try to take an objective view of your home through the eyes of a potential home buyer and determine what needs to be cleaned, repaired, decluttered and painted. You want your home to look the best that it can, and to attract as many buyers as possible.

This is also a good time to consider making any home improvements that may increase your home’s value. Even simple things like doing a bit of landscaping or replacing the front door can do wonders for increasing your home’s curb appeal and value. Before undertaking any major home renovations it’s a good idea to discuss things with your real estate agent so that you don’t “over-improve” your home and price yourself out of your neighborhood. Ideally you want your home to be competitive with other available homes in your area.

Being prepared before your home ever goes up for sale can get you off on the right foot and help ensure you can get a great price for your property.