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  In addition to the repairs and major clean up projects which get your property to sell, it is equally important to clean, beautify and strengthen the appeal of your home prior to showing. Buyers are still primarily motivated by emotion. You want the buyers' tour of your home to be pleasant, exciting and productive. Here are some simple suggestions that will prepare your home in a uncluttered, clean, and inviting condition. Remember, the old saying, "You don't get a second chance at a first impression".
   
 
Curb appeal
Cut lawn
Trim shrubs
Weed and edge walks and flower beds
Repair shutters, exterior trim, clean gutters of leaves
Touch up exterior paint
Repaint front door if faded
   
General Maintenance
  Tighten doorknobs
Replace burned out light bulbs
Touch up paint if possible
Repair leaking faucets, toilets
Wash windows
Clean furnace and replace filters
   
Create the illusion of Spaciousness
  Clear stairs and hall
Eliminate bulky unnecessary furniture
Make closets neat. Arrange shoes and other objects
Clean coat closet. Its the first one inspected. Make it appear roomy
Remove all clutter through out house
Clear countertops of extra appliances. This makes the counters appear bigger and brighter.
Clean Clean Clean
Shampoo carpets
Clean washer and dryer
Clean refrigerator
Clean and freshen bathrooms
No Smoking inside.
Clean light fixtures
Clean out the garage
Clean the oven
   
  If you have decided that certain fixtures are not to be included in the sale of your house, (custom lighting fixtures, for example) remove and replace them before buyers are shown the house.
   
Showing Atmosphere
  Avoid having any people or animals present during all showings so that buyers can visualize the home as their own.
Do not be home for showings. A buyer is less likely to make themselves feel at home if you are there and will spend less time in your home. Plan your shopping, go for a walk, just be gone when a showing is scheduled. If you do run into a buyer, do not volunteer any information.
Turn on lights (includes closet lights)
Open drapes and blinds.
Plays quiet background music
Add pleasant scents with candles or food
Keep the temperature comfortable
Set your home off from the other houses on the street, a tub of geraniums or other flowers on the font porch