Outdoors

Exterior

• Spruce up your garden and lawn; trim shrubbery and replace dead plants

• Yard and patio should be neat; outdoor furniture should be clean and in good shape

• Clean or paint your front door - remember first impressions last the longest!

• Manicure your front yard; make sure your driveway and entryway are free of clutter

• Check that house numbers, mailbox, and exterior lighting are all in good condition

• Touch up with fresh paint as needed

• Inspect chimney for cracks or earthquake damage

• Repair loose trim, drain pipes, and fencing

• Clean stains and window screens

Garage

Overall

• Remove clutter and tidy up the shelves

• Clean the floor

• Apply fresh paint as needed. Think about brightening your interior with neutral-toned paint

• Clean draperies and carpets

• Replace burned out light bulbs

• Clean the fireplace and remove smoke stains from the wall and mantle

Kitchen

Bathrooms

• Sinks, appliances and counter tops should sparkle; remove any clutter.

• Wax the floor

• Clean the oven range and other appliances

• Clean tile and grout; replace if necessary

• Clean mirrors, glass, chrome and porcelain surfaces

• Replace shower curtain if necessary

• Fix any faucet drips or leaks

• Clean grout and caulking; replace if necessary

Closets

Indoors

• Doors and drawers should open and close easily

• Remove clutter; tidy up shelves and racks

• Clothes should be neatly arranged

• Check the basics around the house. It takes just a minute to check all doors, windows and cabinets to make sure they don't stick, squeak or are too loose

• Clean your furnace and water heater so buyers know they are looking at a house that has been well maintained