Pack up.

This includes personal photos and portraits. Less is always more. The less clutter and knickknacks you have lying around, the more potential buyers will be able to see your home and what it offers. Remember, you are selling your house, not your stuff. Plus, getting a head start on packing will eliminate some stress down the road.

Organize.

When your house is meticulously organized, buyers will envision themselves living a stress-free life in your home.

If your house is on the market, a bright and sparkly home can attract buyers like a magnet. A house can never be too clean. If you were a buyer, would you choose the house that is slightly dingy or the home down the street that is clean and welcoming?

Clean every inch of your house, and don't forget to make your windows and floors sparkle. If your carpet appears old and stained, think about replacing it. We all love our pets, but unpleasant pet odors can make a bad first impression on buyers.

Clean homes sell.

Crank up the curb appeal.

Pull weeds, rake leaves and trim overgrown shrubs, especially if they block windows or the path to your front door.

Paint.

It's important to make your house generic. A fresh coat of neutral paint will make your home appear larger, brighter and more appealing to potential buyers.

Make repairs.

Fix things like leaky faucets and sticky cabinets, and replace old screens. They may seem insignificant, but minor repairs add up in the mind of a potential buyer. They tend to overestimate how much repairs cost. You don't want to give them any reason not to put in an offer.

Rearrange.

Make sure your furniture placement allows for easy traffic flow and shows the purpose of each room.

Lighten up.

Let the sun shine in, and turn on the lights. Open all blinds or curtains, and make sure the house is well lit.

Temperature.

Be sure potential buyers are comfortable when touring your home. If it's freezing outside, leave the heat on, and if it's summer, turn on the air conditioner.

Keep it immaculate.

It may be a little inconvenient, but until you accept an offer, keep your home in tiptop shape at all times

when you are selling, get your own inspector before you put your home on the market. The last thing you want is to have a contract on the table, only to hear the inspector has found dry rot. If you know in advance, you can take care of it. If a home inspection turns out well, it is likely the buyers will feel good about their purchase and not ask for costly fixes or concessions.