Just as you want to look your best on Easter Sunday, you want your home to look its best for visiting friends and your own use and enjoyment.

If you intend to sell your home this spring, there is a greater incentive to give the best impression possible.

 It is more important than ever to be quality — and price competitive. Something short of maximizing good “feng shui,” there are basic actions you can take that will put your house in showcase condition, thus increasing your odds of obtaining the highest price and selling in the shortest time possible.

 By “packaging” your property for sale and “staging” its presentation, you will make your home stand out among the competition. This does not have to include expensive remodel projects, but it may require several weekends of your time.

• First impression is critical. Stepping from their car and entering your front door, most buyers have already developed an attitude about your home. The “curb appeal” means everything in the buyers’ desire to further explore the interior of your home. A cracked sidewalk, a misplaced walking stone or a non-functioning doorbell can deliver the message to the buyer that other areas of the home are going unattended.

• Have a clutter-free yard that is well maintained. How you maintain and care for the exterior can draw attention away from the otherwise positive aspects of your home. Remove debris and storage items, clean out the garage and place any needed items in storage areas or containers.

• Create a model home. Take the time to visit a model home at one of the new projects here in Napa. You will find the colors are neutral, the areas are spacious and a specific effort is made to show the home free of distractions. If you have an older home, it is important to create an environment that is clean and light, while consistent with the architecture and design.  

• Remove or reduce personal statements. The buyers looking at your home are attempting to see your house as their own and imagine how it would feel to be living there. There are certain items that can distract buyers from giving full attention to how they would live in and improve your home for their use.

 • Create an interior that appeals to the senses. Light, color, sound and smell can create first and lasting impressions. Clean windows, open drapes and plenty of lighting will showcase the interior and link the home to the exterior yard and views. 

• Prioritize your project list. Accept that not everything will be done or get done. A written list of projects, including the cost and time commitment to complete them, can be prioritized based on the money budgeted for preparing your home for sale and the amount of time you are able to commit.

Create a sales preparation plan and your home will be at its best and ready for the marketplace. Have your real estate agent tour your home to review your plan and give you cost-effective suggestions on what items are the most important.

These tasks completed, you can look forward to making your real estate move a reality in 2007 and at the same time obtain the highest price for your home.

 Charles Bogue is a broker with Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley in Napa, where he offers real estate marketing services as the CB Team. info, 258-5221, e-mail: cbnapa@napanet.net.