Basement, Attic, Garage

• Clean out attic, basement, and garage and dispose of everything you're not going to take with you when you move.
• Separate items that you won't need again until after you've moved, and pack them away neatly in boxes.
• Make sure there is plenty of light in the stairway to the basement.
• Paint ceilings and walls of basement a light color, if your basement is dark and gloomy.
• Repair cracks in basement floor.
• Vacuum garage and attic floor and rafters.
• Arrange and stack items neatly against the walls so areas look larger.

Kitchen

• Make kitchen bright and attractive, for it is the most important room in the house.  If it's dull and dated, paint cabinets and update cabinet hardware.
• Clean venitlating hood.
• Put down new flooring if floor is badly worn.
• Remove excess small appliances, such as toasters, coffee makers, and can openers, from counters so counters look more spacious.
• Make sure kitchen smells good - like freshly baked cookies or simmering potpourri.

Bathroom

• Repair dripping faucets
• Keep towels fresh and neatly folded.
• Clean stains from toilets, bathtubs and sinks.
• Clean mirrors.
• Keep a room deodorizer in bathrooms.
• Replace old caulking around tubs.

Living Areas

• Have all plaster in top shape.   Cracks, nail pops and visible seams in dry wall are easy to fix.
• Check ceilings for leaks and leak stains.  Fix the cause of damage, repair ceiling and repaint.
• Stick to white and neutrals when repainting and decorating.
• Clean out fireplace and lay logs in it.
• Wash windows and replace or repair any broken windows or screens.
• Make sure all windows will open and close easily.
• Replace burned out light bulbs, make certain all light switches are working, and make sure all bulbs are at least 60 watts.
• Make sure floors shine, and repair the cause of creaking boards or stair treads.
• Straighten up closets, get rid of excess items, and store out-of-season clothes so closets look larger.
• Use room deodorizers to eliminate musty odors.
• Lubricate any sticking or squeaking doors.

Outside

• Make sure lawn is well manicured, shrubs are neatly clipped, and walks and porches/decks are swept clean.  The grounds make a crucial first impression.
• Cut back over-grown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house.
• Paint your house if necessary.  A well-maintained exterior does more for sales appeal than any other factor.  At least paint windows, shutters and trim if exterior looks dull or shabby.
• Make sure walks are free of snow and ice in winter.
• Inspect the roof and gutters.   Clean out badly clogged gutters and replace worn or missing roofing shingles.
• Repaint the front door if necessary, and put a pot of flowers or some other attractive touch by the front door.
• Repair broken steps.