1.  Clean the house. For buyers, dirt is the biggest turnoff. To buyers a dirty house signals no maintenance is being done.

2.  Remove the clutter to open up the rooms.

3. Use paint to transform the walls; neutral shades are better than bright colors.

4.  Depersonalize the home by removing family pictures, children’s drawings and owners collections.

5.  Use the garage or carport for storing boxes, or rent a storage locker on a short-term basis.

Exterior

1.  Tidy the landscaping, removing dead leaves, branches and plants and pruning back over grown shrubbery.

2.  Plant colorful annuals in containers near the front entrance. Add a new door mat.

3.  Update the front yard and garage coach lights.

Living areas

1.  Entryways should be as open and inviting as possible. Remove extra rugs and extra items from an entry table if there is one. Move personal effects to an inconspicuous location.

2.  Remove heavy window treatments, making the room look for airy, light and brighter.

3.  Take extra leaves out of your dining room table to make the room seem larger. Remove table-clothes and set the table for two with you best china.

4.  Leave a few pieces of art on the walls at eye level.

Kitchen and pantry

1.  Put the toaster oven, coffeemaker and other small appliances away. Clear the counters tops of clutter. Buyers are looking for good prep space.

2.  Clear the clutter from the pantry. Make it look as large and clean as possible. Clear out nonfood items and group similar items together. Use decorative containers and wicker to customize the look of your pantry.  Think Martha Stewart.

3.  Clean the front of all cabinets with a damp cloth removing any spills or finger prints.

4.  Polish the cabinets, counter tops and appliances.  Scrub the floor. The kitchen is the number one selling feature in a home and can make or break a sale.

Bedrooms

1.  Remove excess furniture to add space to the room.

2.  Put a new comforter or spread on the bed.

3.  Display pillows on the bed in soothing colors.

4.  Remove old clothing and shoes from closets. Organize shelving and add extra shelving if needed. It will pay for itself.

Bathrooms

1.  Cleanliness is crucial, shower doors, faucets and knobs should shine.

2.  Remove as many personal items from view as possible.

3.  If necessary, buy a set of coordinating towels for display. If your bathroom colors are bright, use neutral towels to tone it down.

4. Remove rugs to make the space appear larger and cleaner.

Patios and Pools

1. Pressure wash screens and decks.

2. Repair any broken equipment, tiles, or torn screens.

3.  If the view is less than desirable, add potted palms and hanging baskets providing a natural screen.