Getting buyers to come and preview your home is only half the battle. All the marketing in the world can't overcome a messy front yard, cluttered rooms, or pealing wallpaper. Here are some quick ideas to help improve how your home "shows."

• Make sure the front of your home is clean and tidy.
• Mow the lawn, trim bushes and/or replace dead plants. Add inexpensive, colorful new plants and mulch.
• Sweep the porch. Repair loose gutters. Sand and repaint any chipping or peeling paint. Add shiny new house numbers.
• Does the doorbell work? Invest in a new doormat. Make sure all the light bulbs are working.
• Remove all toys, bicycles, tools, unattractive patio furniture, trash, etc., from the yard. Outdoor furniture should be kept clean.

• Buyers need to be able to picture themselves in your home. Begin "Pre-packing" by removing as many family pictures and personal items as possible.
• Paint all walls in neutral colors. Painting is inexpensive but can be perceived as a big hassle and expense by potential buyers.
• Remove any patterned wallpaper and borders. Remember this motto: Patterns are personal.

• Open the window coverings and let the sun shine in. Window coverings should be cleaned so that they are not dusty. Have your windows professionally cleaned - you won't believe the difference!
• Turn on all lights - day or night. Clean all light bulbs, light fixtures and chandeliers. Wherever practical, install higher wattage light bulbs to further brighten your home.
• Improve traffic flow and create a feeling of spaciousness by removing unnecessary furniture, knick-knacks, hobby items, children's items, etc.
• As a general rule, remove ½ of the items in your closets and pantry. Put ½ in storage and make whatever is left is organized and neat.
• Counter space in the kitchen is king! Remove all appliances and knick-knacks from the kitchen counters.

• Buyers will look for anything to create bargaining power. Spend a weekend and few extra dollars making small repairs around the home.
• Repair or replace broken tiles on walls, floors or in showers/tubs. Re-caulk if the caulking is chipped and/or stained.
• Repair or replace doors, closet doors, and/or windows and screens so that they open with ease.
• Fix dripping faucets, remove rust stains from basins.

• Create a family plan for last-minute showings. Make sure everyone has a job and knows what it is.
• Light your fireplace during the winter.
• Keep your home dusted and vacuumed.
• Remove all smoke odors, pet odors, and odors resulting from hobbies. When possible, air out your home before the showing. If you smoke, consider these alternatives: (1) Stop smoking in the home at least 2 weeks prior to listing & showing and (2) Rent an air ionizer, which will greatly reduce the smell.
• Make sure that beds are made.
• Bathrooms should be kept clean, toilet lids down, no hair in the sink. Do not leave dirty towels out; wipe down the shower areas after each use. Put out fresh towels and decorative soap for showings.
• Shampoo all carpets and vacuum as necessary. If the carpet does not clean up well, ask your agent if you should replace it.
• Highlight your pool area, water garden, etc. with lighting, benches, planters, flowering plants, etc.
• Create an outside living/dining area with furniture and plants.