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Selling in a Down Market: 10 Easy Tips

In today's volatile housing market, more and more Americans are looking for ways to increase the sales value of the homes they put on the market.

According to a recent report by the Case-Shiller index referenced in the New York Times, home prices remain on the decline for 2008 heading in to the autumn sales season. OptHome.com - the ultimate online resource for empowering homeowners, buyers and sellers to make smart decisions for all their homeowner needs - is sharing ten simple tips for summertime improvements that lead to fall curb appeal for homeowners preparing to sell.

The ideas include landscaping advice, cleaning tips and other ways to make your home more appealing to potential buyers specific to preparing for the autumn season.

1. Go green. Lawns tend to get greener after August when the nights get cooler. It's also a great time to seed your lawn if there are any bare spots or the grass is thin.

2. Add color. Plant mums or other colorful plants that will thrive in the fall. This will give your landscape color and vibrancy when everything starts to fade from the summer.

3. Details matter. Trim shrubs and trees on your landscape. Make sure things look sharp and neat.

4. Keep it clean. Tidy up your yard; put away hoses or superfluous lawn ornaments. Change over the general theme (if you have one) to an earthier, fall tone.

5. Stay current. Be careful not to give your house the closed-down, winter hibernation look. In other words, don't leave a boat wrapped and covered for winter on your lawn.

6. Preserve wildlife. Attract a little friendly wildlife to your lawn by putting out a birdfeeder.

7. Sparkle and shine. Wash your windows and your screens. As fall arrives, the arc of the sun changes and it's easier to see dirt on windows; removing screens entirely will also help keep a clean, clear view through the windows.

8. Fresh paint, new home. Use the last of the summer weather to do any exterior painting your home may need. If painting your house seems too daunting, break it into sections (i.e. visible front sections first, then back) and only do one at a time.

9. Clean the garage. Before it gets cold and uncomfortable, clean out any mess in your garage which will give you more room for storage if you need to de-clutter inside the house.

10. The time is right. Make sure you adjust any automatic timers. As days begin to shorten, ensure automatic lights along the house or walkways come on when it starts to get dark.