As an owner, you will play an important role in the sale of your home. The following tips will give you some advice how you can sell your property quicker, at the best possible price.

Make the Most of the curb appeal.: A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted - or at least freshly scrubbed - front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the walkways, the fewer obstacles between prospective buyers and the true appeal of your home, the better.

Fresh up the inside: Clean up in the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh paint adds value to your property. Prospective buyers would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look, "with a little work."

Think Safety: Make sure there are no  traps: roller skates on the stairs, loose extension cords, slippery rugs and low hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as safe as possible for potential buyers.

Clean out the storage space: Potential buyers are looking for more than just nice living space. They're looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.

Consider Your Closets: A better organized closet appears larger. Now's the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

Make Your Bathrooms Sparkle: Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.

Check Faucets and Bulbs: Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract from what's right with your home.

Create Dream Bedrooms: Wake up prospective buyers to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.

Open up in the Daytime: Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.

Lighten up at Night: Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.

Watch Your Pets: Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're showing your home. Keep your pets outside, or at least out of the way.

Turn down the volume:  When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.

Keep a Low Profile: Nobody knows your home as well as you do; however, we know buyers - what they need and what they want. Your broker will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.

Don't try to sell your belongings: When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.

Defer to Experience: When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your Lafayette Real Estate Broker.

Help Us: Let us know about showings not scheduled through our office. Offer to keep an eye on the brochure box attached to your sign and make sure it is always filled with flyers. Try to accommodate prospective buyers when they want to see your home.