On the outside

Here are some suggestions for the exterior of your home:

Start at the sidewalk: Landscaping makes a huge difference in how people perceive your home. Plant colorful annuals in the flowerbeds. Keep the lawn green and trimmed.

Revive a tired exterior: If necessary paint the exterior. Otherwise painting exterior doors and window trim can freshen your home's look without the huge expense of a complete exterior repainting. Shine or replace worn door knockers and hardware. Replace or remove torn screens or damaged storm windows. Make sure exterior lights are working and have fresh bulbs -- some buyers like to cruise by your home at night to see how it looks.

Remove outside clutter: Get rid of anything that blocks pathways or clutters up side yards, back yards and patios. This includes toys, excess furniture and tools.

Clean your windows: You want your home to look as light and bright as possible. Dirty or spotted windows drag down a home's appearance.

On the inside

Once inside, inspect your floors, your walls, your kitchen, your bathrooms and your closets -- because your buyers will. Here's what you need to do:

Deep cleaning: A deep cleaning is essential for a good first impression. It's also key to keep up the cleaning as long as your house is on the market. Bathrooms and the kitchen should be kept spotless.

Get rid of bad smells. Air out your home by throwing open the windows at least once a day. Don't cook smelly or greasy foods, which linger in the house. If you have cats, clean the litter box at least once a day. Use potpourri or bake cookies before buyers visit to give your place a nice smell.

Remove inside clutter: You need to move anyway, so why not get a head start and make your home look larger by packing away at least one-third of your stuff? Stowing away knickknacks, mementos and family pictures helps depersonalize your home, which is actually a good thing: You want potential buyers to picture themselves living in your home instead of being distracted by your personal effects. Keep a small amount of furniture in each room. Keep windowsills and countertops clear. Clean out closets.
Consider renting a temporary storage space rather than stuffing your packed boxes in your closets or garage, which will make them look smaller.

Organize what's left. Tidy closets and pantries look bigger and more appealing.

Fix your floors: Buyers really notice the condition of floors. Hardwood should be polished and carpets shampooed or, if they're in bad shape, replaced. Repair any broken tile or linoleum.

Brighten your walls: If you've painted or wallpapered in recent years, you may be able to get away with just washing your walls. Otherwise, consider repainting your rooms in neutral colors.

Make repairs: Fix leaky faucets, cracked windows, torn screens, cracks in the walls, etc.

• Check the visibility of your house numbers, repaint or polish if necessary
  
• Create an inviting walkway. Add color with annuals and a new doormat to brighten your home and welcome buyers
  
• Open windows everyday to let in fresh air. Appeal to buyer뭩 sense of smell and create an inviting feeling by lighting candles or baking
  
• Sharpen the look of rooms by paying attention to detail. Polish door knobs and handles and replace lights in bathrooms and kitchen as necessary
  
• Turn on all lights, especially at night, to highlight your homes amenities
  
• Create a focal point in your entryway by adding a picture, lamp or plant.
  
• Remove furniture to make rooms appear larger and allow for clear traffic pattern
  
• Unify the accent pieces and details in our home. Replace old lampshades, bedspreads and bath towels and coordinate matching area rugs, pillows and candles throughout all rooms
  
• Try to make a child's room minimally personal and make sure it is safe
  
• Always test your doorbell to be certain it is in good working order
  
• Move your best pieces of furniture towards the front of each room and your least attractive pieces toward the back
  
• Hang all pictures on the low side and hang mirrors across from windows that get a lot of light or have a view
  
• Set your dinning room table for a decorative appeal
  
• Place plants and fresh flowers in a rooms to add vibrancy and freshness. Use big, bright or bold accessories to draw attention to important areas of the room
  
• Try not to be present when potential buyers are viewing your home. If you are present, keep conversation to a minimum