It will pay dividends to make the effort to clean and make the surrounding area look nice. Why not go ahead and put a fresh coat of paint on any furniture or accessories.

3. The backyard will likely be the last place your prospective buyer looks as many realtors will hold the best for last - the lake. If the lake is visible from the house it will certainly make a lasting impression. Now the lake is the biggest selling point, the yard and walking path to the lake should be well maintained. Trimming back overgrown shrubbery and trees, raking up unwanted straw or leaves, and mulching plant beds is a good start. Adding a fresh coat of paint to the existing furniture, new furniture or accessories such as bird baths, globes, etc are also a plus. If you have a dock at the lake, is it in good condition or does it need some TLC?

Another tip that should not be overlooked is to think of yourself as the prospective buyer that is seeing your lakefront house for the very first time. If there are things that you would like changed, it is likely that others will feel the same way. Try to make your house look the best.

And don't worry about spending a lot of money to get your house ready to sell you'll recoup it when your house sells. Proper staging helps you sell your lake house in a shorter period of time and at the price you want. Hubert Miles