After the holidays have ended, the decorations are neatly boxed up, all the presents are open, and the relatives have left town, you may be one of many families in SE Texas that decide to buy a new home in 2008. 

If your plans call for a bigger home, smaller home, larger yard, better location in ’08, then you are in need of some "tips to help you sell your current home quickly and for a lot of money".

Here are 10 things you can do to help your home sell:

1. On the outside- mow, trim trees and plant flowers.
2. Paint touch ups – where ever needed.
3. Clear out the clutter- get rid of unnecessary furniture, clear off counter tops, closets.
4. Clean, Clean, Clean – carpets, tile, windows, any stains must go.
5. Replace broken doors, knobs, tiles
6. Freshen up the interior – no smoking inside, keep trash cans empty, use baking soda
7. Flowers, Potpourri and Air Fresheners inside – neutral smells are a must.
8. Invite a "friend" to walk through as a potential buyer.  Get their opinion on whether or not your home is inviting.
9. First impressions are made in the first 30 seconds before the potential buyer even walks through the door.  Front door, steps, porch all make a good or bad first impression.
10. Enlist the help of a professional real estate agent who can help you stage your home.

For more information on preparing your home for sale, view Coldwell Banker’s video on staging.  The art of making your home look great inside and out. 

In reality the market conditions, age of your home and location are going to play the most critical role in what price you can get for your home but following the 10 tips listed above will help you sell faster and maximize your sales price.