Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary - and as little money as possible - to maximize its exterior and interior appeal. The better your home shows, the more marketable it is and the higher the profit for you.

Create a lasting first impression

• Keep front door and windows fresh and clean.
• Repair peeling paint.
• Inspect and clean the chminey.
• Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
• Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
• In winter, keep walks neatly cleared of snow and ice.
• During spring and summer months, consider adding a few showy annuals, perhaps in pots, near your front entrance.
  

Enhance your home's interior

• Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning, as well as removing all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms rent storage garages and move half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
• Hire a professional cleaning service to clean your home every few weeks while it is on the market.  This is a good investment for owners who are busy elsewhere.
• Pack away infrequently used items from kitchen counters, closets and attics.  These areas will be much more inviting and you will have less to pack when moving time comes. 
• Repaint dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with a nuetral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige.  The same nuetral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
• Inspect and repair cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and basement.
• Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint and tiles.
• Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings and other woodwork. 
• Repair any loose knobs, sticking doors, windows and drawers.
• Inspect and repair the plumbing, heating, cooling and alarm systems.
• Bathrooms are a selling point; make certain that everything is shining. Repair dripping faucets and showerheads. Clean and repair bathtub and basin caulking and put personal items away.
• Keep the kitchen spotless and counter surfaces clear. Spruce up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by investing in new cabinet knobs, new curtains or a coat of neutral paint.
• Odors can be distracting a to prospective buyer. Be sure to eliminate  smoke, pet and food odors from the air.
• Before the prospective buyer arrives, create a cheerful atmosphere by turning on the lights, opening the drapes and curtains and playing soft music while it is being shown.  
• Stay in the background or get out of the house. Your presence may be distracting for the prospective buyer. If you have a dog, this is a good time to take it for a walk.

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