If you want to get the best possible price for your house, start by making sure it looks its best, inside and out. The following checklist offers several easy things you can do to improve a buyer's first impression. While all the points may not apply to you, the process will help you develop an eye for the most attractive aspects of your house.

Before You Begin Showing
Exterior
	Repaint siding
	Repaint or touch up trim
	Repair/repaint gutters and downspouts
	Repair/repaint fences
	Seal driveway
	Remove oil stains from garage floor
	Wash all windows
	Remove all screens (windows look cleaner)
	Trim trees, hedges, shrubs
	Weed and feed lawn
	Remove all clutter (garden tools, toys, etc.)
Entranceway
	Check working order of doorbell and exterior light
	Replace welcome mat
	Repair/repaint storm door and/or front door
	Clear interior entry of all clutter
	Clear and clean out front hall closet
Living/Dining/Family/Bedrooms
	Repaint or touch up walls and ceilings
	Repair/replace old molding
	Shampoo or replace carpet and/or wash and wax floors
	Remove excess or unattractive furniture
	Clean curtains, shutters, blinds, etc.
	Clean fireplace, mantle, shelving
	Replace old bedspreads
Kitchen/Baths
	Repair or replace faucets and fixtures
	Repaint or repaper walls
	Thoroughly clean range/oven, refrigerator and other appliances
	Clear out and clean cabinets, drawers, and medicine chests
	Remove clutter from countertops
	Clean or replace curtains
	Grout tubs and showers
	Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains
General
	Replace burned-out light bulbs
	Clear cobwebs from corners and doorways
	Wash light switches, hand rails, and doorknobs
	Clear and clean all closets
	Add "welcoming" touches: potted plants, dried flowers, etc.
Before Every Showing or Open House
Exterior
	Pick up tools and toys
	Put garbage cans in garage
	Close garage door
	Park cars on street or around corner
Interior
	Clear off all counters and table tops
	Turn on all lights
	Open shades and curtains
	Put soft music on stereo
	Give the house a pleasant aroma - fresh bread, fire in fireplace, etc.
	Set dining room table
	Make all beds
	Set thermostat at comfortable temperature
House & Community Information (display in entranceway or another prominent place)
	Paid utility bills
	Current property tax receipts
	Real estate listing sheet
	Floor plan (if available)
	List of upgrades you've put into the house (and dates, if available)
	Map and/or list of community features and points of interest
	Warranty information on appliances

ONE FINAL SUGGESTION: Ask your sales professional to take a walk through your house and offer suggestions on how to make it show best. There's simply no better source of ideas for making a house more marketable.