Here's How to Optimize Your Home's Property Value

The U.S. housing market is heating around most of the country, according to Nationwide's "Health of Housing Markets" report. In the report, Nationwide ranked the housing market at 104.3 for the first quarter of 2016, which indicates a healthy market and a lower risk of housing downturn over the next year.

With the housing market on solid ground, now's a good time for homeowners to list their homes for sale and sell their mortgage notes. To maximize your home's property value and get the best return on your investment, make these smart improvements to your home.

Give Your Home a Deep Cleaning

Before putting your home on the market, you need to get it in the best possible shape. Simply doing a deep cleaning and getting rid of clutter can make a huge difference. A clean and sparkly home will attract and welcome buyers and make a good lasting impression.

First, eliminate the clutter. Clutter is unsightly and holds on to dirt and dust. Rather than moving things around and creating clutter elsewhere, get rid of things you no longer use or need. This will clear space in your home, improve its appearance, and help you discard things you don