Most buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, agree that finding a property in "move-in ready" condition is important to them. So, sellers, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

     Making your home move-in ready doesn't necessarily mean doing costly kitchen and bath renovations. It does mean addressing safety issues, as well as performing maintenance tasks, both minor (such as fixing leaky faucets and drawers that stick) and major (like fixing faulty appliances or problems with your heating/cooling system). To that end, consider having your home professionally inspected before it goes on market; the inspection report can serve as your to-do list, ensuring your property is all fixed up - not a fixer-upper.

     Getting your home in move-in condition also means making sure it's thoroughly clean and neutral in decor. Ideally, buyers want to be able to move into a property where they can apply their personal touch without having to first remove yours. In other words, your decor should be a blank canvas - so give your walls a fresh coat of paint in a neutral tone, and, if not already a neutral shade, replace your carpeting, too.

     Just as buyers want a move-in ready home, you want top dollar for your property. So, while putting work and money into your home only to turn around and sell it might seem counterproductive, doing so will help to justify a higher asking price than you could set for your home if it required more work on behalf of its new owners.