Eliminating the Clutter

   Clutter is a downfall for any house, but in a small house, the more clutter the potential Buyer sees, the less house he'll see. Keep the kitchen counters clear, remove all those knickknacks scattered about the house, and keep your accessories and artwork simple.

Curb Appeal 

   Remember - first impressions are everything. Let your home make a strong impact the moment anyone pulls up alongside the house. Spruce up your landscaping, keep your lawn manicured, plant a few annuals out front, make sure your front door area is free from clutter, bikes, skates, and such.

Let the Light In

   This is a general rule for any home that will be put under the microscope by potential Buyers, but is even more applicable for small homes. Open all blinds and curtains, and turn on lights throughout the house if you know real estate agents will be showing the home that day. Blinds that are the same color as the wall give a flowing, roomy feeling. 

Keep the Walls Light

   Dark-colored walls will make a room appear even smaller than it is. You may want to consider sprucing up your walls with a fresh coat of paint anyway, so stick to a light color. To create the effect of more light, paint the ceiling a color lighter than the walls.

Pay Attention to Furniture

   If you have a lot of furniture, put some of it in storage. Then, think about the layout and focal point of the room and decide whether trying to accentuate roominess or coziness.  Going for spaciousness, keep the large pieces against the wall.  Furniture color should be similar to the wall and floor color. Too much will look cluttered and will subtract from the spacious feeling you're trying to achieve. Striving for a cozy feel, select dark pieces, whether fabric or wood. Go for big patterns on one or two pieces, placed away from the wall.  Strategically placed mirrors can help make a room appear larger. 

Tall Lines

   Try to choose accessories that are long and narrow. Long, thin lamps and plants can help you achieve a sense of height versus accessories that take up a lot of horizontal space.

Accentuating the Back Yard. 

   If you have a decent patio area, present this space as an extension of the limited living space. Display a nice patio table with a patio covering or umbrella, spruce up your landscape, and brighten up the area with some containers filled with colorful annuals.  An inviting back yard will stand out as a plus for many home shoppers, particularly in warm-weather areas