The Interior:

• Go through the house as if you were a potential buyer. Replace or repair worn out flooring or carpets. Remove old or outdated wallpaper. Paint the walls a neutral color.
• Pay attention to the living rooms, bathrooms and the kitchen. Clean and organize kitchen and bathroom cupboards, pantries and closets. The more empty looking you can make these areas, the more generous the storage space will seem.
• The bathroom should be squeaky clean. Clean and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the bathtubs and showers. Fix any leaky faucets. Put out your best towels, shower curtains and mats. Put away your personal cosmetics.
• Remove as much furniture and clutter as you can. Hang mirrors in small rooms to make them seem larger.
• Replace outdated unattractive light fixtures with inexpensive, modern looking ones. Get rid of faded or outdated curtains or window coverings. Clean inside and outside of windows, including sills.
• Throw out straggly or unhealthy plants. Use a few healthy potted flowers or green plants to adorn tables.

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE DAY OF SHOWING;

• Keep a bucket with all-purpose cleaner, furniture polish, rags paper towel, and small garbage bags so you can speed-clean on short notice.
• Freshen the scent of your house by grinding up a slice of lemon in your garbage disposal. Or, put out fresh flowers or potpourri. Don't overdo it, though, as some people could have allergic reactions.
• Open the shades and let light in. Also, leave the lights on, even during the day. Open the window if it is a nice day.
• Keep animals out of the way.
• Leave the TV off. Turn the stereo on low and play relaxing classical music.
• Leave the house during the showing. If you absolutely can't leave for some reason, be as inconspicuous as possible, perhaps retiring to the basement or outside.
• Place feature sheet (prepared by you or your agent) in full view so that the agent and buyers will take one. This will help them remember your home clearly.