Clean up clutter–box it up or throw it out
Paint any room needing paint; neutral colors work best
Clean all windows, mirrors and light fixtures
Stop smoking in the house
Empty all trash and recycle bins
Dry clean drapes and shampoo carpets
Clean all tile and wood floors
Place fresh flowers, plants or bowls of fruit around the house
Bake cookies or burn scented candles to make the house smell pleasant
Bathe pets and clean out litter boxes

Sweep the street in front of your house and all steps and walkways
Keep lawn mowed and watered
Fertilize lawn or replace bare spots with sod
Remove dead plants or trees
Trim shrubs and trees; keep plants from blocking windows
Weed and rake top soil or cover flower beds with mulch
Add inexpensive annuals to flower beds and walkways to add color
Clear walkway of clutter and ice and snow in winter
Clean up any pet droppings in the yard
Clear gutters and roof of leaves or debris
Paint or touch up outside of house
Remove clutter, toys, vehicles, boats, trailers from front of house

Clear porch of cutter and dead plants
Display colorful flowers in matching clay pots
Polish or replace tarnished doorknob, kick plate, doorbell, house numbers
Scrub or repaint front door

Remove any furniture crowding the space
Leave lights on and use maximum wattage bulbs
Hang a mirror instead of artwork to reflect light
Remove area rugs, runners or plastic  protectors to expand space
Clean out the hall closet, it is often opened by a prospective buyer

Open curtains and turn on lights
Remove extra furniture, accessories and any dead or sickly plants
Lay logs in fireplace; add pine cones in fall or winter
Remove old fireplace screen
Leave only a few items on the mantel
Remove religious, political and  family items
Remove magazines and newspapers
Clear stairways of clutter

Open curtains and turn on lights
Remove any leaves from table
Leave 4 chairs around table and store extras
Don’t use a tablecloth, placemats or set table
Put a simple centerpiece on table
Reduce clutter in buffet

Clear counters and store appliances away
Consider painting dark cabinets a lighter color
Replace outdated handles or knobs
Remove magnets, drawings and all items from refrigerator
Scrub or replace sink; clean rust stains
Fix leaky faucets

Store away excess furniture and clutter
Replace bedspread and pillows, if necessary
Leave 1 to 3 decorative items on dressers, but no more
Remove theft temptations: jewelry boxes prescription drugs, collections
Clean out closet
Add a healthy live plant or vase of flowers
In children’s rooms, remove tacked up posters, artwork, etc.

Consider painting dark cabinets a lighter color
Replace outdated knobs or pulls
Remove or replace shower curtain
Leave tub or shower enclosure open and clean glass of soap scum and mineral deposits
Check caulking around  tubs & showers
Shine or replace faucets; fix leaks
Clean stained sinks or bowls
Clear off countertops; display basket of potpourri, soaps or towels
Replace broken tiles; replace old vinyl flooring

Install organizational systems such as shelving, storage bins and peg boards
Remove hazards to visitors
Remove oil spots from concrete or paint floor

Trim overgrown plants and remove debris
Move barbecue to side of house
Use wood, metal or cement furniture–no plastic
Remove empty pots, dead plants and tools
Put clay pots of colorful flowers in groupings near door
Repair or power wash deck and any concrete slabs
Add new mulch to flower beds

Make sure temperature is at a comfortable setting
Play soft music on the radio/stereo
Make sure pets are removed or put away
Most potential buyers feel more comfortable if the owners are not present.  If you choose to stay, keep socializing to a minimum; don’t tag along