Charlie and Barbara Bagwell contracted with us to build their home in Harborside. They were ready to start the process, but, like most retirees today, needed to sell their home first. Their home: a 1988 split-level on a small lot in a Virginia suburb outside Washington DC.

Much to our surprise, they called us within just a few months of listing their home. They had an offer they were going to accept and were excited to get started. One of the first questions we asked Charlie and Barbara was: "How did you do it? How did you buck the trend and sell so quickly in a down housing market?" After listening to their story, I believe the Bagwell's could host their own "Designed to Sell" program, for they did everything right. They are willing to share their tips with you in hopes that you, too, can buck the trend and get started on building your future home.

To prepare, Charlie said, "We watched every HGTV program in 2007 that showed how to stage your home for sale." Immediately after Charlie's January 3, 2008 retirement date, they put their plan into action.

With a budget of $1,500 for materials, here’s what they did:

1) Removed clutter. Going room by room, they asked themselves the question, "Is this going to our new home in Greenwood?" If "no", the item was either sold, donated or thrown away. If "yes", the item remained in the room or was boxed for moving.

2) Removed personal items. They took all of the family photos off the walls and tables. They stored their personal collections.

3) Rearranged. Excess furniture was stored in the garage to make their rooms appear larger.

4) Refreshed the interior
- They removed wallpaper in three rooms - "a heck of a job" Charlie said, as it had been up for 20 years.
- They painted every room in neutral colors and painted the closet interiors white.
- They shampooed the carpets and cleaned the hardwood floors.

5) Refreshed the exterior for maximum curb appeal
- Planted flowers around trees in the front yard
- Replaced the front door and painted it dark red to draw people in
- Power washed the vinyl siding and screen porch

6) Repaired. They made sure that all mechanical devices and appliances were in good working order.

Besides making the house "move in ready," Charlie and Barbara worked with their realtor to price it competitively with other homes in the area. After 6 weeks on the market with no offers, they reduced the price based on feedback that other homes in their price category had larger lots or updated master bedroom/bath areas. Because they had 20 years of equity in their home, they opted to take a little less in order to sell sooner. Their home then sold within a month. The buyer bought it, despite its lot and room limitations, because the home was in perfect condition and priced right.

The spring market is almost here. There will always be buyers but likely less than in the past. So it's even more important now to make sure your home is absolutely in top form within your price range. Charlie and Barbara did it -- you can, too - if you do everything right.