A. Interior Improvements

• Wash all windows inside and out. Curtains and drapes should be fresh and attractive.
• Dust, clean, and scrub everything from attic to basement.
• Shampoo the carpeting. Open all drapes, pull up shades, and let the light in.
• Turn off all television sets while the house is being shown. Soft music is desirable.
• Water all dying plants or get rid of them.
• Put new washers in all dripping faucets.
• Throw away the torn shower curtain and put up a new one.
• If you cannot get rid of stains in toilet bowl, buy a new one. This applies to all bathrooms, including the one in the basement that is seldom used.
• Clean fireplaces, particularly the ones that have not been lit recently.
• Remove every bit of grease from inside of the oven and burner trays.
• Keep kitchen countertop and sink clean and clear.
• Wash light fixtures and bulbs. Put higher wattage in all fixtures for better lighting.
• Remove junk from the attic, basement, closets and tool shed and have a garage sale. Contribute whatever remains to the next garbage pickup.
• Organize closets.
• Make the beds and keep clothes out of sight.
• If possible, send all pets to a friend or relative from the day the house goes on the market until the day it is sold, and get rid of the odors that are left behind. Over fifty percent of home purchasers are either allergic to, afraid of, or simply dislike animals.
• Wash or paint dirty walls.
• Fix the front doorbell, storm door and front entrance. (First impressions are lasting).
• Adjust all doors, including closets, and windows so they can be opened and closed.
• Replace broken tiles on walls or floors and repair loose or dangling wallpaper.
• Secure all banisters and handrails.

B. Exterior Improvements

• Rake leaves, mow lawn and keep edges neat. Lawn and flowers should be weeded regularly. Trees and shrubs should be pruned and trimmed.
• Remove old lawnmowers, tractors, disabled autos, broken lawn ornaments, and damaged outdoor furniture. They are reasons for buyers to make a U - turn.
• Hoses should be coiled or stored inconspicuously when not being used. Other garden equipment should be stored in some type of shelter when not in use.
• A yard should be free from unnecessary clutter. A place should be provided for children's toys and equipment. All animal litter should be removed daily.
• Fix the garage door so it opens and closes. House and garage doors should be free of finger marks. Wood surfaces should be kept painted oiled or stained.
• Porches, steps, verandahs, balconies, patios, and other extensions of the home must be uncluttered, clean and repaired.
• Shades and awnings in good repair will improve exterior house appearance.
• Keep garbage cans deodorized and out of sight, or placed inconspicuously.
• Walks and entrances should be well maintained and free from excess water, ice and snow.
• Keep gates, fences, walls and outer buildings repaired and painted.
• Outdoor furniture should be kept clean. Firewood should be neatly stacked. Barbecue grill should be cleaned.
• Metal accessories (door knobs, door knockers, lamps, etc.) need to be cleaned and polished.
• Buy a new mailbox without graffiti on it.
• Attach the downspouts to the gutters and paint if needed. Any loose roof shingles, tiles, etc. should be secured or repaired.
• Paint the front, side and back entrance doors. Nothing looks worse than a peeling door.
• Paint all chimneys and replace broken brick or stone.
• If the roof leaks, fix it! Remove any or all evidence of leakage by whatever means possible.
• If you are neither prepared to or do not want to spend hundreds of dollars on exterior painting, be ready to make an immediate price adjustment, or listen to everyone who views your home say "It will cost a fortune to have this home painted!"
• You may have chuckled or frowned after reading the above list. Trivial as they may seem, these "little things mean a lot" might mean the difference between turning on or turning off the buyer you have been waiting for.