Exterior

• Refresh paint so there are no peeling or chipped patches
• Clear gutters and downspouts
• Make sure there is good exterior lighting and all walkway lights and front-door lanterns work
• Remove any moss from the roof

Yard

• Mow and trim grass
• Prune all overgrown trees and shrubs
• Weed lawns and flower beds and replace dead or dying plants
• Clean grease and oil stains from driveway

Decks/Patios

• Paint or stain worn areas in wood decks
• clear grass and weeds from between cracks or seams in concrete
• Secure and clean deck railings

Windows and Doors

• Polish the hardware on the door
• Refresh paint or stain
• Clean glass and make sure screens are intact
• Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door is opened or closed
• Make sure all windows open and close easily
• Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals

Entry

• Declutter in entryway to give the appearance of spaciousness
• Make sure lighting is bright and welcoming

Basement

• Check for water penetration or dampness; call for professional repairs if necessary
• Get rid of musty odors
• Clean furnace and drains
• Make sure light fixtures work
• Arrange storage area in a neat and organized manner
• Sweep/vacuum floor
• Make sure stairway handrail is secure

Living Room/Dining Room/Family Room

• Give the room a fresh coat of paint if necessary (use neutral colors where possible)
• Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls
• Make sure all wallpaper is secure
• Paint/stain any woodwork that is worn or chipped
• Clean draperies and blinds and make sure they open and close smoothly
• Deep clean carpets
• Stage the room to its best advantage
• Put away toys and hobby supplies and other personal items

Kitchen and Bathrooms

• Make sure countertops and sinks are clean, de-cluttered, and stain-free
• Fix dripping faucets
• Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear clean, neat, and spacious
• Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are defrosted and free of odors
• Clean the oven and cook-top thoroughly
• Remove grout and soap stains from tile
• Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout
• Make sure all joints are caulked
• Make sure all fixtures, including heat lamps and exhaust fans are operating
• Store all supplies, such as toilet paper, shampoo bottles, and cleansers
• Put away prescriptions, jewelry, and any items of valuable that are at risk for theft

Bedrooms

• Put away toys, clothes
• Neatly make up the beds
• Keep all closets clean and organized and treat any odors.
• If you are still living in the house make bed every day, put away dirty laundry, and keep bedside table clear of clutter

Tidy Extras

• Plant flowers to brighten a walkway and enrich the entry
• Remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves
• Get rid of worn-out throw pillows
• Remove all "fixer" cars, campers, and boats from the property
• Use a critical eye when making changes, your agent can help give unbiased opinions