If you start the selling process by learning what buyers really want, you can prepare your home to come as close to their dreams as possible.

Curb Appeal

You only get one chance to make a first impression. Your buyer should be so impressed, so charmed, so delighted that they want to leap out of the car and run inside.

Start with sweeping the drive, walkway and porch or entry of dirt and debris. Get rid of leggy bushes, wilted flowers and broken tree limbs. Plant fresh flowers in the front garden or in containers at the entry.

Power-wash the exterior and hand-wash the windows. Touch up paint around the windows. Paint the front door a fresh, modern color. Replace the door hardware and porch sconces.

Space

The number one reason why people buy homes is to have more room.

If you have a large home, you're golden, but that doesn't mean you've got it made. You can ruin a buyer's first impression with too much clutter, so make sure to keep your home picked up so your buyer can see your home's features clearly and easily.

What if you don't have a lot of space? Plan to do some storing and staging. Clean off all tables and countertops so you have only the minimum of things you need to operate your home. Empty closets of anything that is "stored" and move it to a storage unit. The small expense you'll pay in storage fees you'll more than make back from your buyer's offer.

Updates

Replace the most dated features - countertops, cabinet pulls or appliances.

Bathrooms are so personal that they can easily turn buyers off. Invest in new towels, bathmats and a shower curtain.

Painting is expected by buyers; pick an updated neutral like a warm grey instead of beige. Be sure to choose a color that will complement the architecture and flooring in your home.

Homebuyers expect to see pride of ownership. The more tweaks, updates and repairs that you perform, the more confident your buyers will be that they're choosing the right home.