SPRUCING UP BEFORE SALE PAYS OFF.

Byline: DAVID GRUND

Most people who want to sell their homes usually call a local real estate broker and schedule a listing appointment. After discussing their home's value and making sure all necessary paperwork is out of the way, the real estate agent is on his way too.

Within a few days, there is a for-sale sign in your front yard and you wait out the days hoping for interested buyers, soon to realize all you are getting are low offers. It is discouraging and sometimes insulting to homeowners to receive low offers when they think the value of their home is much higher.

No, it is not the real estate market's fault, it is yours.

The following are relatively inexpensive ways I have found that will increase your home's value and appeal to prospective buyers.

The first and most important issue is your home's curb appeal. This means how your home shows from the exterior when driving by, for example.

If your home is aesthetically impressive from the outside, it will surely bring the potential buyers inside. The best way to do this is with the landscaping.

Do not attempt to get full market value for your home unless your grass is green and well manicured. Add beautiful, colorful flowers in the planters. Buy some clay pots and fill them with perennial flowers placed strategically around the front of your house.

Show potential buyers that you, as a homeowner, have pride of ownership. If the buyer knows you have pride of ownership they will feel much more comfortable in purchasing your home.

Interior and exterior paint are very important too. It is amazing what a difference a coat of paint can make. Even if you do not want to paint the entire house in and out, there are things that can change the appearance of your house dramatically.

It is usually the exterior trim and other wood items, such as doors and windows, that weather the worst. Peeling, chipping and cracked paint needs to be mended. It is relatively simple for the do-it-yourselfer to scrape the old paint, patch and caulk the holes and cracks as needed, and repaint those trim pieces, doors and windows.

Remember not to choose loud, bright or unusual colors. Try to stick to the basics (white, gray, earth tones, etc.). Choose colors that would appeal to others and that are common in your neighborhood.

As for the interior of your home, choose a bright, neutral off-white color such as Swiss coffee or eggshell. These colors will give your home a fresh, clean, open and bright look. Make sure your doors, trim and cabinets are painted with a high-gloss paint that looks fantastic and is easy to clean.

A nice contrast in colors is to paint the doors and trim with pure white and the walls and ceilings in an off-white color as mentioned. You will not believe how great your home will look. The potential buyers will be impressed.

Light fixtures are very important. Not only do they stick out like a sore thumb in the center of the ceiling, but they help in showing the age of your home.

Due to the warm weather in Southern California, I recommend ceiling fan light fixtures in all bedrooms. Try to choose light-colored fans with polished brass accents. For other rooms and hallways use a glass globe-type ceiling fixture, also in polished brass. The glass globes look like swirled half circles. These items will help modernize your home.

Doorknobs and cabinet hardware should all match in your home. Choose a polished brass lever-type doorknob for all the interior doors. Lever-style hardware is what is in style now. They are much easier to use for children and the elderly too. Purchase matching polished brass knobs for your cabinets and closets.

Window coverings are items that can really show the age of a home. Try to brighten up and modernize in one easy step. Remove those fabric curtains and buy vinyl/PVC-type, 4-inch smooth-faced vertical blinds. Get the white ones since the contrast against the off-white will show nicely. If you have any yellow-colored obscure glass in your windows (usually found at the entry), call your local glass shop and have them changed out immediately to clear glass.

Just remember this easy concept: If you are selling a house in the '90s, you do not want to show a '70s model.

This also holds true for wallpaper. If you have wallpaper on your walls, consider removing it if you are going to paint anyway. Most people who purchase a home would rather choose and install their own taste in wallpaper.

Lastly, make sure you have plenty of potted plants in your home and fresh-cut flowers if at all possible, especially when your agent has an open house scheduled. Also try to have plenty of air freshener devices scattered around. This gives a subtle hint of a homey feeling and will unconsciously help potential buyers visualize your home as their future home.