By Priscilla Toomey, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Julia B. Fee/Sotheby's International Realty

Jan. 20, 2016:  When it comes to real estate, spring is already here. What that means is, if you're planning to sell or buy a home in 2016, now is the time to prepare.

Here are some important steps to take now:

Review your finances. Put your hands on at least two years' worth of complete tax returns and other financial documents (W-9s, 1099s, and the other documents that verify your income).

Be brutal with yourself about de-cluttering. If it looks bare, you're getting there. Prospective buyers need to be able to imagine their stuff in your space, and the less cluttered and the less personal, the easier it is for them to do that.

Schedule any fix-ups that will be needed--painting, electrical, plumbing, and other system maintenance and repairs around the house are part of this and need to be completed.

Curb appeal can make or break whether prospective buyers will even come take a look at your house. When it comes time, professional photography will have a strong impact on whether your house draws interest or not.

Bring in a stager as soon as your de-cluttering is done. They can see your house through the eyes of a prospective buyer and advise you on what needs to be done to eliminate or reduce negative aspects and accentuate points buyers will love. It may take time to implement these suggestions, so get started on this right away.

If you are planning to sell and then buy, scope out your local market. Who is your likely competitor? How fast or slow is your local market and how quickly do you want your house to sell? It's best to be realistic and to keep abreast of your local market in order to accomplish the goals you set for your sale.

Learn the market where you plan to move. Visit open houses, both online and in person. Find a good search program that draws from the local multiple listing service (IDX--Internet Data Exchange--which draws directly from the multiple listing service, rather than an online lead generator whose data are often out of date or just plain incorrect).

Talk with a lender to find out what you are likely to be able to afford and to determine what steps you must take to get pre-approved. When it's time to do your house hunting, you will need a pre-approval in hand.

Keep working at it--continue working on how your house looks, learn the markets at both your selling and buying ends, and keep your financial information current and at hand. That way, you'll be in the best position to accomplish your goals in this year's spring market.

Pictured here:  Priscilla Toomey, licensed associate real estate broker, JD, ABR, Top5, certified EcoBroker, SRES with Julia B. Fee/Sotheby's International Realty, 2 Park Place, Bronxville, NY 10708; cell, 914-559-8084; email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Photo courtesy Julia B. Fee/Sotheby's International Realty