When it comes time to sell your home, whether you've lived there for three years or 20, you need to see it as a merchandise for sale. And just like an item on a store shelf, you want your home to stand out from the competition.

Of course, your feelings and emotions about your home -- and all of the memories you made there, may make it difficult to detach and view your home as a product. But sellers who quickly transition away from the emotional connection and into investment mode will reap the financial benefits many times over. Homes that go into contract quicker and with few (if any) price reductions ultimately sell for more money. And isn't that every seller's goal?

Homes that sell quickly probably have many of the features that today's buyers find desirable.. Smart retailers try to understand better what consumers want, and then deliver to them. Home sellers should do the same.

Do Some Renovations

When you're preparing to sell your home, consider small renovations, updates, cleaning and even some light staging. many sellers make significant upgrades to their home before listing, leaving them to question if they actually want to move. Today's buyers look for move-in ready and turn-key homes. The more bells and whistles, the better.

Focus on Kitchens and Baths

It's a pretty well-established fact that kitchens and baths sell a home. If your kitchen or bathroom is tired or outdated, consider modest upgrades that pack a punch. Painting cabinets white gives the kitchen a clean and fresh look. Consider new stone counter tops like quartz or granite. And replace old faucets with shiny new ones. Spending a modest sum can reap incredible benefits -- tenfold.

If you got it, show it off.

Research shows that certain features to help sell home faster, Even if you don't have time for renovations, you might luck out and have some of the items on buyers lists. For example, subway tiles in the kitchen or bathroom barn doors, and craftsman's features are proven to help homes sell faster. If your home has these, play them up, because today's buyers want them.

Just like companies figure out the next hot car, handbag or shoe for their respective industries, smart home sellers must know their audience and market their product to meet customer demand. When it comes time to sell, consider your buyer, and try hard to make your home into a top-notch product.