Now's the time to sell your home

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NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- This week we can look forward to two key reports that will give us a snapshot of the state of the housing market. Could we be seeing the beginning of a bottom in the beleaguered sector?

Stability in the housing market is seen as a key ingredient for the economy's recovery from a recession. And there are some signs the market could be improving.

Sales are starting to strengthen. February existing home sales were the highest in six years. Homebuyers were lured by tax credits and rock-bottom mortgage rates. And finally, home prices are leveling off in some cities like Jacksonville, Fla., and Dallas, Texas.

Of course, foreclosures are still up 24% since last year and that will continue to weigh on the market, so, we're clearly not out of the woods yet, but for homeowners looking to sell their homes, this is just a glimmer of good news.

If you're trying to sell your home, you have your work cut out for you. But there are some things you can do to create some curb appeal.

Walk across the street and take a good look at your property. Try to pinpoint problem areas and start out small.

Trim hedges, cut the lawn, remove the undergrowth. Make the entryway your focal point. Put fresh paint on the front door and use lighter colors in the rooms. Take the pictures off the wall (especially if you have a family photo wall.) The point is to get potential buyers to think about where their own pictures are going and how they will redecorate. You want them to become emotionally attached to your home.