Are you ready to sell?

What's one of the biggest mistakes sellers can make? Putting their house on the market before it's ready, say real estate agents.

With the spring market just around the corner, it's time to learn about the competition and set the stage so your house can be best in show. Here's our seller's checklist:

GET EDUCATED

• Find out about the local market by searching real estate websites such as Coldwell Banker Burnet (www.cbburnet.com), Edina Realty (www.edinarealty.com.) and Remax (www.homestothemax.com). The National Association of Realtors also has a site (www.realtor.com).

• Search recent home sales in the Star Tribune's residential real estate transactions or search your county's tax records.

• Look up local market data at www.mplsrealtor.com, which has community market profiles called "The 100."

• Attend neighborhood open houses.

PREP TO SELL

• Declutter by boxing up knickknacks, pictures, family mementos, books. Remove unneeded furniture to make rooms feel more spacious.

• Deep-clean everything including carpets, windows, closets and the oven. Bathrooms should sparkle; eliminate odors.

• List and make needed household repairs. Identify problems such as moisture issues that may have to be disclosed.

• Clear sidewalks, decks and driveway of snow and ice.

• If you live in a city such as Minneapolis that requires an inspection, set that up now.

• Print out the "Home Sellers Handbook" from the Minnesota Attorney General's office at www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/housing/default.asp.

MAKE IT PRETTY

Choosy buyers expect homes to be "model- perfect."

• Replace dated kitchen and bathroom hardware and fixtures.

• Remove heavy curtains and window screens that block light.

• Apply fresh paint in deeper neutrals such as tans, browns and greens.

• Use high-watt bulbs in lights.

• Paint the front door and buy a new welcome mat.

• Rearrange or remove furniture to create a smooth traffic flow.

"Create a neutral environment with very few personal items," said Deb Greene, 2007 president of the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors and an agent with Coldwell Banker Burnet.

PRICE IT RIGHT

• If you're just listing your house, get two to three comparable market reports from local real estate agents.

• If your house is already on the market and you're not getting any showings, consider a price adjustment based on active listings, pending sales and recent closings.

"In today's market, you have to price a home so it's perceived as a good value," said Greene. "You have to beat the competition."

READY TO SHOW

Before you leave the house:

• Tidy up, make beds, pick up toys and clothes. Place fresh towels in bathrooms. Wipe sinks and mirrors. Empty garbage.

• Open blinds and turn on lights.

• Remove or kennel pets -- and their odors.

• For a neutral scent, use an electric candle warmer or put a pan with a few drops of vanilla in an oven turned to warm.

• Play soft music and place flowers near the front door.

Lynn Underwood • 612-673-7619