If needed, repaint exterior, including trim.

Replace missing shingles.

If needed, clean or replace shutters.

Clean, paint, or stain front door and polish brass.

Power wash the house and the driveway.

Clean gutters.

Clean and repair any damaged windows.

Replace or repair any broken fence slats.

Remove old, rusted grills, patio furniture, swing sets.

Remove dead shrubs, flowers, trees and pick up dead branches, weeds, leaves and debris.

Mow and edge lawns, trim shrubs and plant fresh flowers.

Add fresh mulch to landscaping beds.

Sweep walkways.

Make sure outside lights are working.

Garbage and recycling cans should be placed in the garage or neatly on the side of the house.

Children's bicycles and toys should be put away.

The front porch should be clean and clutter free with newspapers removed.

If you have a deck, consider power washing and staining it. Make sure that the railings, steps and boards are secure.

Clean all rooms well.

Replace all light bulbs with the highest wattage the lighting fixture permits.

Keep all curtains, blinds, shades, etc open. For every showing, turn on all the lights before you leave.

Oil squeaky doors, make sure all door stops are in place and tighten all knobs.

Make sure foyer is uncluttered and inviting. Fresh flowers are a nice touch in here.

Put fragile figurines and collectables somewhere safe.

Clean fireplace.

Make beds everyday.

Store all Children's toys neatly or out of sight.

Remove dark or outdated wallpaper.

Crayons and markers are great for touching up white spots on ripped wallpaper if you can find matching colors.

Paint any rooms that need painting with a light, neutral color.

Consider installing closet organizers.

Remove all excessive and bulky furniture, the rooms will appear larger.

Take 50% of the items out of your closet, and make sure there is no clutter on the floor or shelf. Organize shoes neatly. It makes them appear larger.

No clutter on top of furniture.

Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.

Empty garbage and recycling cans daily.

Spackle or putty any nail holes from previous hanging pictures. Paint if needed.

If you have an interior attic staircase, make sure there are no drafts coming through and it is air tight. Make sure it is working smoothly and that all ladder rungs are secure.

Remove all cobwebs from corners and ceilings.

Glue down any loose wallpaper.

Vacuum everyday.

Remove and store anything that might offend a potential buyer, i.e. political, religious, sports mementos.

Make sure all wall switches "do something". Lights, radio, etc. comes on when switched on.

If you have a dining room, take the extra leaf out of the table and remove all but 4 of the chairs. This will make the room appear to be more spacious. Also setting the table and putting fresh flowers or a nice arrangement in the center is a nice touch.

Make sure all screens are in good condition with no holes. Repair or replace as needed.

If you have a garage, make it look as organized and clean as possible, remove stains from floor and sweep.

A fresh smelling home is always a plus. If you are a smoker, please don't smoke in the house. If you have pets, clean up well after them and consider boarding them during the selling hours. Some people are afraid or allergic to animals.

Some great air freshening ideas are: fresh potpourri, scented candles, sprinkle a few drops of vanilla extract on a warm stove burner, or a light bulb, a few drops of vanilla or cinnamon in a small pan of water placed in a warm oven, spraying screens with a light fragrance or air freshener.