• Cut all lawns regularly as a well-kept lawn implies a well maintained home
• Sweep paths and remove any weeds, lichen and leaves. Even sweep the front street gutter.
• Weed any garden, add bark mulch or similar to keep it tidy
• Trim any shrubs, add some potted flowering plants near the street entrance
• Repaint or replace the mailbox and check that the number is visible from the street
• Repair any fences and repaint if necessary
• If you have a front gate, make sure it opens easily and the hinges don’t squeak
• Store hoses and garden tools neatly in the garden shed, or out of sight

• Paint, clean or stain the front door and surrounding paintwork
• Make sure any front windows are sparkling clean
• Check that the entry light is working
• Check that the doorbell is working and that the chimes are not discordant
• If there is room, add some potted flowering plants near the entrance for effect
• Buy a new doormat

• Animals - remove pet bowls, put dogs in a boarding kennel or with neighbours
• Make sure the house is cool in summer and warm in winter
• In summer - open curtains/windows to let in fresh air
• In winter - light the fire if you have a fireplace

• Remove all unnecessary furniture and clutter so that rooms appear spacious, clean and tidy. Either place extra items in storage or sell them before selling your property.
• Keep kitchen bench tops clear of clutter.
• Arrange items in the pantry and household cupboards as neatly as possible. Buyers want to see additional storage space.
• Minimise clothes, shoes and stored items in wardrobes to make them appear larger.
• Put away valuables and jewellery.

The kitchen and bathroom, in particular, need to be sparkling.

• Clean the oven and all kitchen appliances and surfaces. Eliminate any odours.
• Clean the bathroom shower, bath, basin, and mirror and hang clean towels and place a fresh flower in a vase.
• Clean vinyl flooring and the carpet. If the carpet is worn, consider replacing the worn area rather than covering with a mat.
• Clean black finger marks off paintwork, especially around doorknobs and light switches.
• Clean the garage out and organise what is left into neat shelving or tool racks.
• Clean heating and air conditioning filters.
• Wash the windows, both inside and outside.

• Replace lights with higher wattage bulbs and make sure that they all work.
• Address any mildew or water stains with fresh paint or wallpaper. Some rooms may have to be repainted or re-wallpapered.
• Reduce the clutter and pictures on the walls of children’s bedrooms - kids rooms can be overwhelming.
• Replace mouldy curtains, blinds and drapes.
• Cover patterned or mismatching duvets with plain sheets or neutral coverings.
• Put fresh flowers in the living area, perhaps scented potpourri also.
• Repair leaking taps, squeaking doors, sticking windows and doors, broken light fittings.
• If necessary, hire artwork for the walls. Municipal Libraries are a good source.

• Wash all external walls, painted surfaces, gutters, window and door frames.
• Repaint any areas showing flaking paint or rusting nails.
• Repair a leaking roof and remove all signs of water damage. Repaint if necessary.
• Repair any leaking guttering.
• Replace broken window panes.
• Keep the garage door closed.

If money has to be spent, spend it on improving your kitchen and bathroom(s) as money spent on these areas will be more likely recouped in a higher sale price.

Even if you are selling a furnished house, you may consider hiring a property dressing specialist to maximise your existing décor. Having your home looking its absolute best from the outset will maximise the chances of you selling at the beginning of the sale process, before the initial asking price has had to be reduced.