Last week I wrote a “fluff” piece about how wonderful Anna Maria Island is, but now it’s time to get serious. If you’re thinking about putting your house on the market this season, you need to take a long hard look at your home with the most objectivity you can muster.

There are homeowners who think that because they have a great water view, they don’t have to do anything else to get their home ready for sale. They think the view will sell the house, and it definitely will, but on an island where a lot of properties have amazing water views, you still need to make your home stand out.

Every couple of years when I write a column like this, the first thing I emphasize is to keep your glass doors and windows as clean as is possible. I know from personal experience that the hardest thing to keep clean on waterfront homes is the glass. Since you’re primarily selling your view, make sure that potential buyers can actually see the water without looking through salty, dirty or streaked glass.

Since first impressions are always lasting impressions, it’s up to you to maximize that first impression. Ask any real estate professional how many times buyers don’t even want to get out of the car just based on what the exterior of the home looks like.

Peeling paint, overgrown shrubs and lawns and driveways or carports with an accumulation of stuff are an instant turn off. Paint is cheap, and it goes a long way to getting those buyers out of the car. Pretty tropical colors on shutters and front doors create a sense that the property is well maintained and invites buyers in to see the rest. And as far as parking availability, it may be the single most important physical aspect of your home on an island that is always fighting the parking battle. If you have a lot of it, make sure buyers know, and if you don’t, figure out a way to at least make what you have look larger than it is by de-cluttering.

Same goes for inside. What looks normal to us – like kitchen counters jam packed with gadgets or bathroom vanities with hairdryers, hot irons and ten hand creams, is definitely not the way buyers want to view your home. Don’t distract buyers from looking at the bones of your home by displaying dozens of family photos or collections of pottery from the Amazon. Choose one or two amazing photos or collectibles and stash the rest.

You also need to make your home comfortable temperature wise for potential buyers. If it’s a warm day or even a humid day crank down the air conditioning. If we’re in the middle of a cold snap, a little heat or fire in the fireplace will keep them inside longer.

Finally, the ancient proverb, “Cleanliness is next to godliness,” should be followed to the letter. I can guarantee you that if your home isn’t sparkling and free of odors from pets and mold, you won’t stand a chance. Break down and wax the appliances and get the grout on the floor tiles cleaned by a professional. It will be money well spent.

Well, that’s my New Year’s advice for anyone who is planning on selling their home in the new year. It may not be sexy, but it does work. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year.