For most people, their home is their biggest financial investment. So when you decide to sell your house, you likely want to get offers in a timely manner and make the biggest profit possible. To achieve these goals you need to have a plan and prepare in advance. Use the following tips to make your home very appealing to buyers:

1. Clean and Organize Every Room

The first step to getting your home ready for the market is to clean it from top to bottom, and organize each room, closet and drawer. If you have lived in your home for a few years it is normal for clutter to pile up--donate stuff that you no longer need, or throw out things that are in bad condition. If you have large boxes of belongings that you do not need right now (such as seasonal clothing or holiday decorations), consider renting a storage unit to store them in until you move.

2. Consider Getting a Home inspection

Home inspections are typically ordered by the buyer after an offer has been accepted, but it can be a very good idea for you to have one done before putting your house on the market. A home inspection will provide you with a comprehensive report outlining any problems or issues that your home has. You can use the feedback from the home inspection to make needed repairs before listing your house. This can prevent surprises and costly repairs requested by the buyer when the house is in escrow.

3. Hire a Home Stager

A home stager is a professional who typically has interior design experience and focuses on making homes look appealing to buyers. Your home may be clean and stylish, but it is personalized for you and your family. Home stagers understand how to highlight the best features of your home through the use of decorations and furniture placement. Having your home staged will typically result in better photos on real estate listing websites, and can elicit better responses from potential buyers who view your home. Having your home staged doesn't have to cost a fortune--many stagers can use the furniture and decor that you already have, or arrange to rent items on a short term basis.

4. Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Home

Getting viewings scheduled is just the first step of getting your home sold. You want your home to make the best first impression possible when potential buyers pull up, so spend some time making sure that your front yard looks great before putting your home on the market. Trim your trees, make sure your lawn is free of weeds, and plant some colorful flowers for visual interest.