Recently, I observed that there were three houses for sale in my neighborhood. One is big and beautiful but needs quite a lot of work. It was the first one to put out the for sale sign and is still not sold. The second one, I am told, is in good shape, but I can tell, even from the outside, that it is a little unkempt.

The third one was the last one to go on sale. But it sold in less than two months, after putting out the sign. It also had the highest price. And it is not the most attractive of the three.

In this unstable economy, there are many houses for sale and the competition is stiff. But this just proved to me that the look of the house does make a difference. The third house, from the outside, had a neatly kept lawn with roses and other flowers planted around the house. The inside had many things going for it also.

Now, I'm an interior designer, not a real estate agent. But I believe any good agent would agree with my observations. I've listed a few tips to spruce up the house before putting it on the market. Also, remember, that basic needed repairs would be an important part of this list.

TIPS TO HELP SELL YOUR HOUSE

1. Make sure the house itself is clean, neat and a neutral color. Taupe is a neutral tone with an upscale look. Or use a pale warm cream tone.
   
   
2. In the foyer, place flowering potted plants to bring the outside in.
   
   
3. Consider changing personal artwork with mirrors to open up a small space and bring in light.
   
   
4. Make sure there is plenty of light. High wattage, no heavy draperies unless very professionally sewn, and blinds pulled up.
   
   
5. In the bedroom, remove any busy prints and replace with solids. Perhaps use a solid matelasse spread with shams.
   
   
6. Take the palest or most neutral color in your dining room linens or china and use it on the walls as your paint color. Make sure you havae room to walk around the table.
   
   
7. Store most of your small art objects. They don't have to all be on display at once.
   
   
8. Remember scale and balance. If the furniture is too big for the room, remove it, replace it or edit a piece out.
   
   
9. Make sure the furniture is balanced in the room. Don't place large heavy pieces all together in one area. Although, form always follows function. When in doubt, do without it.
   
   
10. Clean, crisp, light, airy, simple, are all good directions to follow when showing a house to sell.
    
    
11. I like to see a few healthy plants thoughout the house. Key word "healthy".
    
    
12. Use closet organizers in the main closets. It will help them to look adequate.
    
    
13. Place fresh fruit in a bowl on an island, and fresh cut flowers or blooming potted flowers(they last longer) in the dining room or living room.
    
    
14. Accent pillows are nice, but in solid luxurious fabrics like chenilles or velvets.
    
    
15. Of course, the kitchen and master bath are the big sellers, so they must be up to date with, perhaps, granite or solid surface counter tops, new appliances, no wallpaper, and lots of storage. Make sure your refrigerator and cabinets are clean.