Prepare Your Home to Sell.

After you've made basic repairs, the task of selling your home boils down to making the house as clean, clutter-free, and inviting as possible. Go through this checklist at least every other day to make sure that your home is tidy.

Front entrance

Clean doors and windows - Sweep sidewalk - Polish doorknob - Shake out doormat - Water container flowers (replace if necessary) - Clean doors and windows - Keep the lawn and landscaping trimmed

Entryway

Clean doors and windows - Mop floor, shake out rug, vacuum carpeting - Water container flowers or plants - Dust shelves or entry table - Tidy up closet

Living room, family room

Stow away newspapers, magazines, books, games, toys, and videos - Straighten out coffee table, bookshelves, and other areas - Mop floor or vacuum rugs - Vacuum upholstered furniture; wipe down leather or vinyl - Dust surfaces (including TV screen) - Sweep fireplace - Wipe down ceiling fan blades

Kitchen

Mop or vacuum floor - Clean appliances - Wipe countertops, cabinets - Clean sink - Stow away kitchen sponge and dish towels - Open windows or run fan to remove cooking odors

Bathrooms

Wipe wet shower stalls and bathtubs - Mop floors - Put out fresh towels - Empty wastebaskets - Clean sinks, mirrors and faucets - Stow away laundry

Bedrooms

Make beds - Mop floors or vacuum rugs - Stow away shoes, laundry, clothes, books or toys - Open curtains or shades - Tidy up closet

Home office

Straighten out desk and bookshelves - Stow away files - Mop floor or vacuum rugs - Dust surfaces, including computer screen - Polish cabinets and woodwork

Basement

Clear clutter blocking access to furnace, electrical box or laundry room - Sweep stairs