This is a list of tips to help ease the selling process

"Spring cleaning." Go through closets and cabinets, room by room, and decide what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of.

Have a yard sale and/or donate items you don’t want to keep to make moving easier and also to give your home a neater more organized look.

Make sure your property has "curb appeal." The outside appearance is the first impression your potential buyer will see. Make sure it is favorable. Clean the yard of all debris. Cut back or remove any dead or dying vegetation.

The kitchen must be spotless. Pay strict attention to the stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink. Keep the workplaces clear.

Bathrooms must not only be spotless but they must seem "fresh." Also, fix any broken putty in shower and tubs and remove mildew from caulking and grout.

The exterior of the house itself, all trim and railings should be painted or washed as necessary. Fix any loose rails, drainpipes, screens, and steps. Wash the walls near drainpipe openings and spillways to remove stains.

Be sure that rain gutters are clean.

The garage should be straightened up and the doors painted and in good working condition. Weather-stripping should be in good condition.

Keep plumbing in good repair. There should be no leaky faucets or toilets.

Replace all burned out light bulbs and faulty switches. Be sure your fuse box is clean and has a cover.

Remove clutter from halls and stairwells to give them a wide appearance. Rooms also appear larger when uncluttered.

Closets must be tidy and should not be over-crowded. Over-crowding closets give the illusion of inadequate storage space.

Oil door hinges and tighten door knobs.

Repair minor defects like scuff marks or scratches on walls & floors.

Patch all major holes in wallboard and plaster. Paint where necessary.

Repair or replace torn or bent screens, or remove them completely.

Replace missing or damaged pieces of tile. Repair a loose stair tread plate or loose carpeting.

Remove some furniture to make rooms look more spacious.

Liven up your home with plants and cut flowers.

Let your Realtor know what rooms benefit from sunshine or cooling breezes, also what you like best about the house, location, etc.

Always be certain your house is fresh. Strong odors from pets, cigarettes, cooking or mildew can ruin a sale.