This is the time of the year when folks who've been thinking about moving start thinking about it even more. The economy aside, there are always people who, for whatever reason, need to move.

Maybe the family is outgrowing their current home, or perhaps it's just the opposite, with empty-nesters looking to downsize. Of course, employees still transfer, and city dwellers seek out the burbs, or visa-versa. Whatever the reason, buyers are looking to buy. However, if they already own a home, selling it is the first domino that needs to fall.

But before you can "play the game", you need to prepare. Preparing a home for sale is a piece of the puzzle which is often neglected, but can make a world of difference in the experience-not to mention the sales price!

First, let's think like buyers. Buyers have a lot to choose from these days, but no matter the home sales climate, you must always consider the competition. At the top are new homes, and if you've ever walked through a model home, you know they have one very big thing going for them. No, not the decorating, which is fun to look at, but not what you are buying; their greatest feature is that they are new-as in never used and all systems in tip-top condition.

Your home can never compete with that feature, but it may have other things going for it that new homes don't. Like mature landscaping and neighborhoods, window coverings already in place, and all settling pretty much settled out (fewer mysteries to be discovered later). While these are all appealing, when it comes to new, just like a new car, the smell alone can be irresistible.

Okay, so you can't make your house new again, but you can make it clear that just because it's "used" doesn't mean it's been abused. You want to send the message that this is a loved home-and they will love it, too.

Your best competition with "new" is twofold: clean and in good working order. Let's start with the latter. Are all systems functioning? Your buyer will (or at least they should) bring in an inspector to find out. Let's save you-and your Realtor-the trouble of dealing with a bad report. Fix things now! Bring in your own inspector, if you like; your Realtor can supply names. Get the furnace/AC cleaned and serviced, take a look at the roof (shingles missing? gutter's okay?), no leaks in the plumbing or surprises in the electrical system? No paint peeling on the exterior and the lawn looks like you at least tried?

How about the inside? Wood floors in good shape? Carpets need cleaning? Bathroom tile need a little caulk? Grout? What about your appliances? Do they look like they're in good shape? Are they? Are the walls painted neutral colors or are the colors of the rainbow on display in every room? (FYI, wallpaper is not always a good thing. Sorry.)

These are just a few things to consider, your real estate agent can help. Remember, you see your home through a certain lense that can color your vision. Agents see it through the eyes of the buyer and the market. Don't shoot the messenger on this one-ask for their honest opinion and consider it seriously. They're part of your team.

Step two in the twofold simulation of new is clean, Clean, CLEAN!! Then keep cleaning. It's a pain, no way around that, but remember that you are up against carpets that haven't been walked on, stoves that haven't been cooked on and toilets that have never been used! (Notice, in model homes, the seats are always down? Yours should be, too.)

Make it sparkle and be sure it smells fresh. That's not the same thing as plugging air fresheners into every outlet. Buyers can tell when bad smells are being masked. (Yes, I'm talking to the smokers too, but that's for another time.) Sure, baking cookies and lighting scented candles leave a pleasant aroma, but underneath, it's gotta be clean!

So, I know what you might be thinking. If a clean countertop is good, what about a new granite one? How about new carpeting; can you get a better price with that? Should you replace the furnace, even though it's working? Does the yard need a fiscal injection to compete with the house that's for sale down the block? Well, sometimes yes and sometimes no. This is when you want to brainstorm with your Realtor. You want to do enough to justify your best asking price, but not so much as to price yourself out of the market.

Alright, you've got your marching orders. The busy spring market is just around the corner, so get going. And don't forget to call your Realtor to let them in on your plans. Together, you can be prepared, be smart and, as usual, be nice.