As you prepare a home for sale or rent, here are some basics to ensure you get the best response from prospective clients.

Your goal is to make the house as attractive as possible while investing the least amount of cash. Buying a home is often an emotional decision. People decide to buy a house because they fall in love with it. In many cases, you just have to make sure that they don’t have a reason not to like the house.

Here are some ideas for the houses you are selling or renting. You want to present the best of you in any way.

Spic-and-span sales. Make sure everything is clean and shiny.

paint it Fresh paint works wonders in any room. Sometimes you can get by with a touch up, but a full paint job will definitely make everything look like new. You even get the added benefit of a new-smelling home when the walls are freshly painted. Make sure to use bright but neutral colors. We used a light tan satin paint for the walls and a bright white semi-gloss for all the trim.

Clean the carpet. A thorough professional cleaning is an inexpensive way to freshen up any carpet. If it’s not in good condition, feel free to replace it. New carpet is worth every penny when a home is shown. Again, choose a neutral color that isn’t too dark. Tanning is usually a good option.

Seriously consider replacing worn appliances. You can usually replace a stove and dishwasher for $500 or less if you find a floor model or a discount for scratches and dents. New or “like new” appliances have a big impact on the appeal of the kitchen.

Replace outdated kitchen and bathroom faucets. This will quickly improve the room.

A new dresser is a must. They are a quick and cheap way to make things shiny and clean. Get the $7 targets made of wood. They look great.

Replace light switches and wall outlets. TURN OFF THE POWER FIRST! New switches and outlets don’t cost much and instantly brighten up any room.

Replace outdated light fixtures. Old light fixtures can quickly age a home. You don’t have to install expensive accessories, just new ones to replace the dusty and rusty ones.

As you do, put new light bulbs in each lamp, in each socket. Choose the highest wattage that can be used safely and do not leave any sockets unused. Your goal is to keep things bright. Even in broad daylight, I turn on all the lights in the house during a screening.

Ceiling fans are a good investment. Get some cheap ones and place them in every bedroom. Have them turn low while the prospects are looking. There is something cozy and soothing about a slowly spinning ceiling fan.

Remove old and outdated window treatments or damaged shutters. Replace them with new, inexpensive mini blinds.

Take a good look at your house from the street. Does it measure up to the other houses in the neighborhood? You really should look better than a lot of your neighbors. Do some inexpensive landscaping by adding flowers, shrubs, and some mulch. The yard must be clean and well maintained. Trim bushes and trees, and keep grass trimmed and trimmed.

Check the house numbers on the house and on the mailbox. A prospect is sure to look at the street number, so make sure it conveys the quality of the house.

No blinds? Add some! Installing shutters on a home is like putting hubcaps on a used car. The cost is minimal, but the curb appeal is powerful.

Visit new subdivisions and open houses in your area, especially model homes. You will get some good ideas to present your home. Some real estate agents place small signs throughout the house noting special features such as: energy-saving heat pump, new water heater installed in 2004, or stay-in-home refrigerator. This is a great way to point out features.

Another idea we had at an open house was to set the dining room table with nice plates, glasses and cloth napkins. That’s great if the furniture is still in the home. We also recommend that you play classical music on the stereo. Remember, most people are “moving in” to their new home, so make them feel like they’re really renovating.

And for some finishing touches, place a vase of fresh flowers on the counter, some candles on the mantel, and some clean hand towels in the bathroom.

Finally, put a new doormat on the front door. You can pick one up for under $10. I like the ones that actually say “Welcome.”

Always remember that your tastes may be different from those of your potential buyer. You are making a very personal decision. By paying attention to the little details, you can make a big difference in your perception. Make sure the house is attractive enough that they want to make it their own.