Whether you are selling in Sherburne County or the Twin Cities metro area, you will want to get the best price for your home. We are currently in a seller's market, which already gives you more leverage than you usually have, but you can still maximize the sale of your home with these tips.

Keep Everything Neutral

When you put your home up for sale, you want it to look as neutral as possible. This means removing things such as family photos and any other items that are personal to you or your family. Prospective buyers should feel like they could comfortably live in your house; they don't need to be reminded that they're technically in someone else's home. Too much clutter also makes a home look "lived in," so de-clutter as much as you can before you start showing your house.

Finally, any furniture you have out should have a neutral look as well. You obviously don't need to buy a whole new living room set, but chairs and couches that have seen better days or that have more outrageous upholstery should be stowed somewhere else.

Keep Everything Clean

We've already discussed the need to de-clutter a home that you are selling, but that is only part of keeping everything clean. Keep your carpet vacuumed and free of stains, and sweep and mop tiled and hardwood floors. Wipe down tables and countertops, and keep your sink clear of dirty dishes. You will want prospective buyers to see the potential of your home, and that is really hard to do when it's a mess.

Make Your Home Accessible

Buyers are more likely to make an offer on a home when they can schedule a showing on their time. There will obviously be times when it won't be possible to let a buyer into your home, but you should still allow as much access as possible, even if it means staying someplace else for a period of time while you have your real estate agent show your home. If you can't provide as much access as you'd like or if you're concerned about health and safety issues, talk to your agent about including a virtual tour of your home as part of an online listing. It's still not the same as having buyers see your home first-hand, but it will give them a better idea of what your house is like than a series of staged photos.

Have a Professional Take Photos

Speaking of photos of your home, these should always be taken by a professional. They will know better than anyone else how to stage a living room or bedroom, so you can be sure that you will have high-quality photos that paint your house in the best light.

Make Sure the Price is Right

Even though we are in a seller's market right now, you still need to be smart when pricing your home. You'll want to get the best possible return on your investment, but pricing your home too high might keep it from selling. Take a look at comparable homes in your neighborhood to get an idea of pricing, and don't hesitate to ask your real estate agent for advice.