•  Perhaps the most popular use for an extra bedroom is creating a combination guest room / office space. The key is to create a good balance between the two uses. For instance, keeping the computer and home files in an armoire with doors can camouflage these items. And choosing a daybed, futon or sleeper sofa is a good way to combine both seating and sleeping accommodations.

•  Scrapbooking, sewing and crafts are popular pastimes. Turning a part of your home into a dedicated area for these activities can help you stay organized and motivated. Good ideas for this room include a sturdy work table, a comfortable chair, good lighting and an organized supply station.

•  Creating a reading room for sitting down with a good book, magazine or the newspaper is another option. Choose a theme appropiate wall color for this room, like a calming tone for after a long day or a cheery hue for starting the day off right. Good lighting, a comfy chair and shelving are also good ideas.!

•  If you are a collector of objects, art or memorabilia, you may want to dedicate an area to displaying your prize possessions. The key here is not to overwhelm the room. Choose your favorite pieces and/or rotate parts of your collection. Display shelves, shadow boxes and spotlight lighting will enhance your pieces.

•  Many people choose to use an extra room for exercising. Make a fitness room more appealing by painting it a cheery tone, keeping equipment organized and decorating the walls with art or pictures you enjoy.

Creating a space just for you is a great idea. Evaluate your interests and see if you can turn some extra space into a "room for you."

For many people, perusing the newspaper real estate section is part of their Sunday morning routine. Some are merely curious about area home prices, while others are more serious; looking to see if now might be the time to add their own home to the roster of available listings. For those more serious about selling, there are a few things to do even now to prepare for when the time
is right.

1). Get a good handle on your finances. Evaluate your assets, expenses and how much you may be able to make from the sale of your home. Compare that with the prices of homes in the area where you'd like to relocate.

2). Gather all relevant home documents. If you replaced the hot water heater two years ago, you'll want proof that the work was completed. A written chronology of all home improvements you've made is very helpful, especially if it is supported by cancelled invoices or receipts.

3). Start making needed repairs now. Repair wall cracks and touch up trim and wall paint. Leaky faucets should be fixed too. Getting a head start on these small repairs will help keep you from being overwhelmed once you make the ultimate decision to sell.

4) . Clear the clutter. If your closets are stuffed with jackets, clothes, toys and other such items, find a place to store them where they cannot be seen. Potential buyers will be looking for this. Remember, the more space the more attractive the place.