First impressions are what's going to help sell your home. Attractive appeal generates more buyers. Cleaning out any clutter and taking away excess furniture creates a more spacious atmosphere. In most cases, a small investment in time and money will give you an advantage when it comes to prospective buyer shopping.

Following is a list you may wish to print and use:

Conduct Light maintenance:

  • Oil any squeaky doors
  • Tighten doorknobs
  • Replace burned out light bulbs
  • Clean and repair windows
  • Repair leaking faucets and toilets
  • Touch up paint

For a showing:

  • Play nice easy-going music
  • Best to be absent during showings
  • Turn on all lights (especially dark areas)
  • Open all drapes
  • Keep pets outdoors

Exterior Maintenance:

  • Cut the lawn
  • Trim shrubs
  • Pick up any litter in the yard
  • Clear drive and walkways of leaves
  • Clean gutters of leaves
  • Touch up exterior paint

Clean More Often than Usual:

  • Vaccuum/shampoo carpets
  • Clean conditioner and replace filter
  • Clean tubs, showers and sinks
  • Clean bathrooms
  • Clean kitchen appliances
  • Don't forget the garage

Focus on Entry (Their first look):

  • Clean front entry area
  • Make sure the doorbell works
  • If the door is badly weathered, paint it.

Make it Look More Spacious:

  • Clean hallways of any clutter
  • Make closets neat and tidy
  • Store excess furnishings
  • Remove excess clutter in any room