Organize, de-clutter and pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway. You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."  Consider this: if you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it.

• Remove all books from bookcases and pack up those knickknacks.
• Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
• Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
  
• Organize closets by hang shirts together and lining up shoes.
  
• Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways.
  
• Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger.

Tips When Selling:

If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, they won't want it.

​Make the house sparkle, make minor repairs and don’t forget curb appeal.

• Make minor repairs; replace cracked floor or counter tiles; patch holes in walls; fix leaky faucets.
• Consider painting your walls neutral colors.
  
• Replace burned-out light bulbs.
  
• Wash windows inside and out.
  
• Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
  
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.  Bleach dingy grout.
  
• Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
  
• Vacuum daily.
  
• Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
  
• Replace worn rugs, window coverings, towels and bed coverings.
  
• Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.
  
• Remove any evidence of a pet (smells, hair, toys) and clean the litter box daily.
  
• Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer.
  
• Check Curb Appeal.
  
• Keep the sidewalks cleared.
  
• Mow the lawn.
  
• Paint faded window trim.
  
• Trim your bushes.
  
• Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.