Alice Tucker.com - Advice For Sellers

Make sure the temperature in your home is comfortable - keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If it's cold outside and you have a fireplace, a nice fire will make your home seem cozy and inviting.
Simmer cinnamon stick or bake cookies just before the showing. The aroma is very homey.
Be available in case prospective buyers have questions, but don't crowd them.
Provide an exhaustive written list of the features of your home.
Answer questions professionally and truthfully, but don't volunteer any information.
Know the distance to schools and shopping centers.
Let the home do most of the selling.
Refer any prospect who calls or comes by to your broker for pre-screening and pre-qualification as well as for your own safety.

Mow and edge the lawn regularly. Aerate and feed the lawn. Overseed any bare spots. Water the lawn regularly. Remove or replace any dead plants. Prune overgrown, diseased, or damaged shrubs. Prune or remove any shrubs or trees blocking view from the windows. Stake up any sagging trees or shrubs. Keep flower beds free of weeds. Trim around base of trees, walls and fences. Replace any broken stepping stones. Adjust any sprinkler system; repair any broken / leaky sprinkler heads. Install fencing or shrubs to hide any unsightly views. Repair or remove any broken or damaged landscape accessories, such as fences, walls, gazebos, fountains, trellises, or planters.

Keep dishes and food out of sight. Clean appliances, range hood and lightbulb. Clean behind appliances. Keep the floor clean. Clean any light fixtures. Make sure all electrical outlets work. Eliminate cooking odors. Deodorize appliances. Repair faucets. Put fresh shelf paper in the cabinets. Organize the cupboards. Clean out under the sink. Replace garbage disposal gasket to reduce noise.

Keep closets clean and free of clutter. Throw out or pack away non-essentials. Adjust or repair any sliding doors. Lubricate sliding door hardware. Paint if necessary. Clean out area behind washer and dryer. Eliminate any mildew odors.

Replace, repair and / or paint any damaged plaster, wood siding, trim, rain gutters, shutters, doors, window frames, glazing, screens, hardware, fences, gates or outdoor lighting.
Clean and wash the siding, windows, screens, outdoor BBQ Grill, A/C unit, pool or spa.
Put 100 watt light bulbs in porch lights and in the carport or garage.
Clean around service areas and trash cans. Haul away any rubbish. Repair any leaky faucets. Clean up pet droppings. Paint or varnish all doors. Polish the door hardware. Make sure the doorbell or doorknocker is in good operation. Paint or replace the house numbers. Deodorize the septic tank. Clean oil stains from the driveway. Patch or reseal the driveway as needed.
Answer questions professionally and truthfully, but don't volunteer any information.

Clean especially around doors, windows, light switches, baseboards, chair rails. Wash lace curtains, and have any draperies cleaned. Remove or pull back any dark curtains. Lubricate window slides (soap for wooden / silicone, silicone or candle for metal). Make sure doors open smoothly. Clean for cobwebs in all corners. Fix any scratches in wooden floors. Replace worn flooring or carpet. Use area rugs where needed. Empty wastebaskets. Make beds and fluff pillows.

Keep the bathrooms spotless at all times. Shine mirrors. Keep wastebaskets empty and clean. Clean out cabinets and remove non-essentials. Keep fresh clean towels on the racks. Clean shower door and lubricate the track. Remove all soap residue, mildew and mold from sink, tub and shower. Remove all lime deposits. Remove stains from sink, tub and toilet. Replace torn / moldy shower curtain. Clean tile grout. Make sure toilet flushes properly - replace mechanism if necessary. Clean exhaust fan / heater, replace if noisy.

Keep area clean and uncluttered. Hang up and put away tools. Clear away any cobwebs. Remove oil and paint stains from floor. Adjust tension rod to eliminate sag from the overhead garage door. Lubricate, adjust or repair the garage door opener.