[JoeP]

Lauri! I'm thrilled by your decision! Good luck in the selling and the hunting.

I'm a bit surprised by the various comments on making it look like a new model place. I've always thought evidence of comfort and being lived in is important - the people who will be motivated by a completely-new appearance will only in fact buy a new house. Yes, you would want to take out anything particularly individual or freaky, because there's a chance someone will be irrationally put off. And definitely don't over-decorate. I remember a place I saw which had different coloured bold, floral carpets in every room - and wallpapers to match - a turn-off. If there's a room you have to redo, make it neutral as Brandi suggests, but I don't think you need to tone down everything.

Anything you can do to make the yard look less run-down you should consider. Obvious problems or negative appearances play a big part in people's decisions.

I agree you should get an estate agent, or whatever it is you call them over there. Pick a person you like and feel you can trust.

joe