What you do to prepare your home for potential buyers will have an immense impact on how quickly it sells and whether or not you get full market value. Houses that are in like-new condition typically sell fastest and for the best price because they outshine the competition.

Before you put your home on the market, here are some things you might want to consider.

Yard

	Trim trees and shrubs that keep light out of the house
	Remove dead plants
	Mow the lawn
	Rake the leaves
	Dress up the front yard with some simple landscaping
	Clean up tools, garbage cans, hoses, toys, and building materials and store them neatly

House Exterior

	Replace broken or missing roof shingles, and straighten and clean the gutters and downspouts
	Clean all windows and mend or replace torn screens
	Touch up the paint on your house, if necessary. Consider painting the front door, window frames, and shutters
	Repair broken steps and walkways
	Paint or replace your mailbox and post

Clean

	Steam clean the carpets and wax the floors
	Wash the walls, windows, and light fixtures
	Every room should be neat, spotlessly clean, and dusted
	Sweep or vacuum the floors
	Dust and wash off lint from the washer and dryer
	Dust and wash off the water heater
	Empty garbage cans
	The kitchen and bathroom should sparkle! Be sure they smell fresh!
	Clear off counters
	Clean all appliances and bathroom fixtures so they sparkle

Repair

	Repair leaky faucets
	Tighten loose stair railings
	Lubricate any sticking or squeaking doors
	Keep all fixtures and appliances in good working order
	Replace broken windows and window seals
	Re-caulk tubs and showers
	Touch up paint or re-paint in a neutral colour

General Impression

	Use bright light bulbs in the foyer and throughout the house. Add lamps and lighting if the house is dark
	Move furniture that may interrupt the flow of traffic through your house. Remove any extra furniture or worn furniture. Remember, too much furniture and knick-knacks make rooms look cluttered and small
	Pull back your curtains and open the blinds
	Remove clutter from all surfaces. One or two decorative items per surface is plenty
	Clean out your closets and organize your storage spaces
	Put away personal items
	Fill your home with a pleasant aroma
	Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature
	Turn lights on
	Set out fresh flowers
	Remove all clutter

First impressions are very important and you only get to make one!