In fact, the time to have a garage sale is before you put your house on the market, not after it is sold! When you decide to sell, start going through your closets and cupboards, eliminating items you don't want to keep. Do the same in the garage and backyard.

Get rid of, or store, the odds and ends. It's interesting to note that the more someone lives in a home, the more used to the clutter they become.

Unfortunately, closets, cupboards and garages brimming with "old treasures" make a home look small and cramped to a prospective buyer. Sellers should also carefully examine their furniture, and consign items that are not needed to the storage or the garage sale. Most homes occupied by the same owner for several years tend to be somewhat over-furnished. Erring on the side of space, not clutter makes for a more marketable home.

Another "item" that adds to the clutter of a home are excess knickknacks. Scrutinize the kitchen for rarely used utensils/gadgets; miscellaneous items in closets and cupboards, even small furniture and throw rugs that can be neatly stored.

Pack or give away clothing that will not be worn as well.

Rearrange and organize. Remove as many articles as possible from the kitchen and bathroom countertops to the cupboards below-they'll still be within handy reach in the newly created space. Organize closets. Clear off your night stands and bureaus.

Size up the arrangement of your furniture-any room for improvement there?

Examine the walls and windows. Do they need repainting or new window coverings?

For some expert, objective advice, have your real estate professional go through the home. Realtors know what enhances a property's appearance -- and what hinders it. One last hint -- don't forget the outside. Sweep the garage and sidewalks, trim the lawn and bushes wash all the windows, inside and out. It all helps to make your home look fresher, lighter, and larger.

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