This is a difficult time to sell your home. Properties are staying on the market longer and prices are falling.

How you prepare your home for sale can add thousands to the price you get. You don't have to spend a fortune, it just requires planning and good marketing.

Choose a good agent

Get recommendations from friends in your area. Find out the agent's commission and where they plan to advertise. Ask for your house to be featured in your local and national papers, as well as online at websites such on www.open2view.com. Work with the agent to develop an enticing signboard and brochure.

Set a reasonable price

We all want to sell for the best price, but be realistic. Research what similar homes have sold for in your area, then set the maximum you expect - buyers will start negotiating below this.

First impressions count

If the outside of a house looks good when people drive by, it will encourage them to go inside. The key is the front yard. This means a painted fence, mowed lawn, trimmed edges, nice garden and a visible, numbered letterbox.

Do some spring cleaning

Enhance your home's appeal by cleaning the windows, washing grubby curtains and scrubbing the bathroom. Make your house feel light too. Pull back the curtains and trim trees or bushes that hang over windows.

Revamp shabby rooms

The kitchen, family room, master bedroom and bathroom are the most important for buyers. A coat of paint could do the trick, while vinyl covering is ideal for kitchen and bathroom floors showing wear and tear.

Don't put off those repairs

Cracks in the plaster can make a house look run-down. Filler and paint will help. It's also a good time to fix leaking taps and damaged flyscreens.

Set the mood

Make your house enticing for inspections. Turn on the lights, put fresh flowers on the table and play soft background music. At inspection time, try to get your family and pets out of the house. You don't want buyers to feel like intruders and hurry through.

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