A clean house will sell.  People need to picture themselves in it and feel at home.  Ever go to an airy, clean hotel room?  How about a dark and dirty one?  Or maybe one that smells musty or like smoke, or has stains in it?  Which one makes you feel more comfortable?  We all prefer a new or just renovated hotel because it's clean.  Your house should present itself like a nice hotel, no dirt, no clutter, not overdone with personal affects that say this is your home, no obvious deferred repairs, just welcoming and manicured.

Home Selling Checklist

Outside = Curb appeal (many people drive up to see a house and are turned off and drive away). First Impressions are VERY important:

• Remove peeling exterior and touch up with fresh coat.
• Plant flowers to brighten front walk.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Ensure all lights operate.
• Remove any moss from the house or walk.
• Remove weeds in beds or against house.
• Mow and trim grass.  Seed and fertilize if needed.
• Prune overgrown plants/trees.
• Remove or replace dead or diseased plants, shrubs and trees.
• Clean grease and oil stains from driveway. 
• Clean and stain decks.
• Remove weeds/grass in walkway cracks.
• Check fences for loose/missing posts, clean fence, make sure gates work smoothly.
• Shine front door hardware. Paint door.  This is the first impression of your house itself and well worth it.
• Lubricate all doors to eliminate squeaks.
• All Doors - clean the glass, repair screen, ensure doorbells function.
• Clean all windows-in and out.
• Touch up window trim paint. 
• Make sure window screens are secure.  If they are torn or unattractive take them out or clean and repair them.
• Clean up or discard outside or indoor plants that are brown or losing their leaves.
• No project cars, RV's, figurines, plastic decorations, or boats in the yard.  The yard should be green and manicured - all natural.
• Keep lights on at night so prospects can see the house

Inside: Immaculate and uncluttered.  Move in condition.

• No clutter!  No clutter!  Pack some decorations and personal photos away so the house has an airy feel.  Hide CD's and videotapes, they do not make a nice decoration.  A few hard cover books, a nice throw, some candles, and interesting artifacts will give it the perfect touch.  No ironing boards or other signs of work.  Clutter makes your house seem small, like you are bursting out of it, and gives some people an almost claustrophobic feeling.  Think open, spacious, tasteful and clean.
• Make sure your house smells good.  Clean with a lemon cleaner before a showing, burn a candle - cinnamon works well.  Use a swifter wet mop on the hard floors right before the showing for a very peasant odor.  It is also good to air out the house with open windows an hour before a showing if weather permits.
• No pets - many people are turned off or allergic to them, so why lose a prospective buyer.  Hide them as best you can, and remove any pet hair and odors.  A house that smells like cats will likely be a harder sell.  You may not notice it if you are used to it.
• Pack away about 1/2 of what is in stuffed closets and cabinets so it looks like you have plenty of closet space.  You should be able to see the wall in back of 1/2 the closet or cabinet.
• Make sure lights operate and are clean.
• Give living areas a fresh coat of paint if necessary.
• Spackle cracks and holes in ceiling and walls with no-sanding-required spackle, caulk cracks along baseboards and crown molding where they meet walls.
• Glue peeling wallpaper seams.
• Ensure blinds and curtains open and close. Clean them and open them fully to maximize light when showing home.
• Steam-clean carpets. No stains or odors on floors.
• Throw pillows should look new.
• Replace attached items, such as lighting and window treatments that you wish to take with you.
• Fix dripping faucets.
• Clean the refrigerator, microwave, oven and range thoroughly.  
• Replace cracked tiles & missing grout.
• Make sure all seams are caulked in bath and kitchen..
• Install a new fabric shower curtain.
• Hide all bathroom supplies.  Make those bathrooms sparkle and - no clutter!
• Put away toys and clothes in bedrooms.
• Make beds neatly. Throw pillows or shams look nice.
• In basement remove dampness or water stains, rid of odors, clean, make sure lighting works, organize.

I'll bet this seems like a lot of work. It may be, but you need to ask yourself one simple question..."Do I want to sell my home fast and get what it's worth?"  Once you answer that question, just print this checklist up, and cross the items off as you complete them.  Then call a Realtor and get that house SOLD!