Your home will sell faster, and bring a higher price, if it shows well. The first impression of your home is a lasting impression. A potential buyer will spend approximately 20 minutes in your home and you want those 20 minutes to make an impact. During that brief time they will be thinking why I should buy this home? When they leave, they will compare it to others they viewed. When your home is shown you should not be present, if you have any pets, this is a great time to take them on a walk.

BE REALISTIC IN YOUR PRICING.
Detach yourself emotionally from any pricing considerations. Be ready to negotiate. If an inspection turns up problems, address them head-on, while you may loose the buyer you will still have the problems. When you get feedback from Agents, and their clients, act on it as necessary.

• Keep it Clean!
  Clean everything! Even areas or items you don't regularly clean (base boards, door frames, corners, etc.). A clean home signals to the buyer that you value and take care of your home. A messy, dirty home will not make a good first impression and may make buyers notice every flaw. Don't leave beds unmade, baths untidy and dishes in the sink.
  
  
• Keep it Neat!
  Have a garage sale, get rid of the clutter. Clean out the closets; don't make it look like you have too many clothes and too little closet space. Charitable organizations always need more clothing. The less clutter the more spacious your home will seem.
  
  
• Keep it Bright!
  Open the blinds and raise the shades. Get as much light into your home as possible. Add extra table lamps if necessary. When someone comes to view your home, turn on the lights! Bright, open rooms feel larger and more inviting while dark rooms feel small and gloomy.
  
  
• Keep it Fresh!
  Curb appeal is a must! Paint the trim if needed. Spruce up the landscaping. When someone walks into your home, they should notice how fresh it smells. Don't use heavy perfume-like air deodorizers. This signals to a prospective buyer that you are trying to cover something. If you have pets' be aware of their odors. Smoke odors are also a "no-no".
  
  
• Keep it Fixed!
  Take a look around and fix any of those "I'll get to it someday". Make certain that all of your appliances are in working order and burned out light bulbs are replaced. Check the furnace and air conditioning to ensure it is working to optimum conditions.
  
  Just like a clean home, if everything is fixed it tells the prospective buyer you have taken good care of your home. If it can’t be fixed, replace it or get rid of it. A well maintained home will create a better impression than one in disrepair. A buyer will make a much lower offer if your house is in disrepair and will probably still insist that everything be fixed before taking occupancy. You’re better off if you leave potential buyers no reason to offer less than you are asking.
  
  
• Keep it Painted!
  A coat of fresh paint makes all the difference in the world. If you have any areas that are badly marked or worn, paint them. Don't just spot paint, paint the whole room or wall. Spot painting is very noticeable and tells a potential buyer that your are trying to cover something up.
  
  
• Keep it the Pets at Bay!
  Even though you may love Fluffy or Spot, potential buyers may not. Pets are an emotional item, you never know what a potential buyers feelings may be. Also, enlist the help of a true friend and ask them if they notice a pet odor in your home. You may be accustomed to their smell. However, someone who doesn't own a pet, it will be the first thing they notice. Also, remember those litter boxes and backyards. Keep them clean!
  
  
• Keep it Away!
  It is best to leave your home when a potential buyer views your home. They may feel intimidated or awkward looking around causing them not to get a real good look at your home. So before they arrive, turn on soft music and lights then go for a walk, run errands or head to the movies.