Exterior and Curb Appeal
Experts say most buyers make their decision at first sight. Prospective buyers will react well to signs your home has been meticulously maintained

• Manicure landscaping: mow, edge and water lawn, trim hedges, weed and fertilize flowerbeds, and prune trees
• Keep driveway clean and free of parked cars, and keep the garage doors closed
• Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles
• Minimize cracks or crumbling on walkways, walls, or steps, and keep them clean and free obstructions like toys or snow
• Items from RV`s to waste cans left out can contribute to a cluttered or busy appearance. Make sure that from the street, your property appears clear
• Inspect appearance of interior window coverings from the curb
• Repair any peeling paint or loose caulking on windows or other areas
• Take steps to eliminate insect or rodent pests
• Pick up after your pets or neighborhood animals

Doorway

• While agents work the lockbox for a key, buyers have idle time to notice details
• Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door and frame
• Consider adding pots of flowering plants in the entryway if weather permits
• Eliminate cobwebs and groom doorway area windows, porch light, or decorative glass

Interior Appeal
Once inside, experts say most buyers are reaffirming their curbside decisions. Clean, clear,
light and bright

• Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. Hiring a cleaning service may pay for itself by adding to a buyer's perceived value of your property
• For a sleeker, more spacious look, consider placing furniture from crowded rooms
  in storage
• Clear kitchen countertops of everything other then perhaps a few very pretty items
  Ask yourself: In a model home, would a professional decorator put you choice of items
  out on the counter?
• Remember: closets will be opened! Keep closets, cupboards, and even your attic orderly
  and neat. Since you are anticipating a move anyway, consider holding a garage sale
  or boxing and storing unused belongings
• If necessary, repaint  or clean/replace dingy, soiled or strongly-colored walls, and window
  and floor coverings with light, neutral shade. Bright rooms look bigger, and neutral colors
  help buyers envision their own furnishing and decor
• Repair dripping faucets, burned-out light bulbs, or cracked window panels
• Repair crack, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, and tiles

Warm and Homey
Subtle scents of potpourris in bedrooms or baths and fresh baked cookies or cinnamon
in the kitchen can make your home more inviting. Keep an attractive set of towels in each bathroom to be out only for showings. Make the prospective buyer feel right at home.