YOUR HOME'S CURB APPEAL
Mow lawn
Trim shrubs
Edge gardens and walkways
Weed and mulch
Sweep walkways and driveway, remove branches, litter or toys
Add color and fill in bare spots with plantings
Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water or other cleaner
Take stains off your driveway with cleanser or kitty litter
Stack woodpile neatly
Clean and repair patio and deck area
Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good repair
Make sure pool or spa sparkles
Replace old storm doors
Check for flat-fitting roof shingles
Repair broken windows and shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have solid caulking
Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood
Touch up exterior paint, repair gutters and eaves
Clean and remove rust from any window air conditioning units
Paint the front door and mailbox
Add a new front door mat and consider a seasonal door decoration
Shine brass hardware on front door, outside lighting fixtures, etc.
Make sure doorbell is in good working order

GENERAL INTERIOR TIPS
Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors
Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary
Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary
Clean and wash kitchen and bathroom floors
Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills
Clean the fireplace
Clean out and organize closets, add extra space by packing clothes and items you won't need again until after you've moved
Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don't use; keep papers, toys, etc. picked up--especially on stairways
Repair problems such as loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closets or screen doors which are off their tracks
Add dishes of potpourri, or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent
Secure jewelry, cash and other valuables

THE LIVING ROOM
Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs

THE DINING ROOM
Polish any visible silver and crystal
Set the table for a formal dinner to help viewers imagine entertaining here

THE KITCHEN
Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning Formica stains)
Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order
Clean often forgotten spots on top of refrigerator and under sink
Wax or sponge floor to brilliant shine, clean baseboards
Unclutter all counter space, remove countertop appliances
Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won't be using before you move

THE BATHROOMS
Remove all rust and mildew
Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are immaculate and shining
Make sure all fixtures are in good repair
Replace loose caulking or grout
Make sure lighting is bright, but soft

THE MASTER BEDROOM
Organize furnishings to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas

THE GARAGE
Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items
Clean oily cement floor
Provide strong overhead light
Tidy storage or work areas

THE BASEMENT
Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items
Organize and create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves
Clean water heater and drain sediment
Change furnace filter
Make inspection access easy
Clean and paint concrete floor and walls
Provide strong overhead light

THE ATTIC
Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing
Make sure energy-saving insulation is apparent
Make sure air vent is in working order
Provide strong overhead lighting

WHEN IT'S TIME TO SHOW
Make sure your property profile folder, utility bills, MLS profile, house location survey, etc. are available
Open all draperies and shades, turn on all lights
Pick up toys and other clutter, check to make sure beds are made and clothes are put away
Give the carpets a quick vacuuming
Add some strategically placed fresh flowers
Open bathroom windows for fresh air
Pop a spicy dessert or just a pan of cinnamon in the oven for aroma
Turn off the television and turn on the radio music at a low volume
Make a fire in the fireplace if appropriate
Put pets in the backyard or arrange for a friend to keep them
Make sure pet areas are clean and odor-free
Make sure all trash is disposed of in neatly covered bins