First step, clean. Not just made beds and pick up the dishes but clean, clean. Scrub baseboards, clean the cabinets, carpets (get new if very worn--you have no idea what a difference this makes!) and make the home sparkle. Even if your home is a 100 years old, you want it to appear new and fresh to a buyer. You wouldn't buy a dirty car nor would you buy a dirty house.
If possible, look into hiring a cleaning service to do what is called a 'top to bottom' cleaning. Although pricey, the service can add the shine to your home! Speaking of shine, be sure to clean the windows--this will brighten the home and bring in more sunshine.
After you've cleaned, hide or remove most personal items, especially tooth brushes, toiletries, hair brushes and shower items. A buyer will have a tough time feeling at home if she sees your tooth brush and dryer on what she is trying to envision her vanity. I advice clients keep the personal items in a small box under the sink so they will have easy access to the items as needed. Replace the areas with pretty candles (not used), plant life or decorative bowls.
Keep the cabinets tidy. Yes, buyers will look in the medicine cabinet, the closet and the pantry. They are making a decision on buying it--they will want to see each and every inch.
Finally, do the nose test. Have a friend you haven't seen in a while stop by and ask if she can smell anything. You won't notice Fluffy's litter box odor or Fido's dog food smell because it is a constant in your home. A visitor (and buyer) will smell it right off the bat. If possible remove offensive odors or mask with Febreeze or other room refresher (not too heavy!). You might also buy some pre-mixed cookie dough you can bake right before a buyer arrives to fill the home with that delicious smell! I once had a seller who even left out the cookies--it was a hit with buyer and their children.
Keep these things in mind when you put your house on the market and you will have buyers in no time!
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