If you want buyers to be interested in your home, you need to show it in its best light. A good first impression can influence a buyer into making an offer; it influences a buyer emotionally and visually. In addition, what the buyer first sees is what they think of when they consider the asking price.

A bad first impression weighs in as deeply. Don't show your property until it's all fixed up. You do not want to give buyers the chance to use the negative first impression they have as means of negotiation.

Ask around for the opinions others have of your home. Real estate agents who see houses everyday can give solid advice on what needs to be done. Consider what architects or landscape designers have to say. What you need are objective opinions, and it's sometimes hard to separate the personal and emotional ties you have for the home from the property itself.

Typically, there are some general fix ups that need to be done both outside and on the inside. As a seller, you should consider the following:
Dress the Home Up
Plant seasonal flowers/apply new mulch/trim shrubs
Wash the house exterior/paint if needed

Create a Warm Environment
Clean and tidy entrance
Consider the smell of the home/candles and vanilla can help
Professional clean carpets/replace if needed
Paint walls or wash walls
Make closets/pantry tidy

Remove Barriers from the Relationship
Remove unused furniture
Remove personal photo clutter and pack
Secure pets before each showing
Remove and replace fixtures not included in sale

Tell a Story and Be Interesting
Set the kitchen table
Turn down the master bed/place a book on the nightstand
Display an open game in the kids room
Turn on soft music
Display a family DVD near the entertainment center
Turn on low lights
Open drapes in the day time

Open up the Dark Areas
Unlock and open all areas of the home
Clean the garage/sweep/and pressure wash
Unlock outside buildings including Shops
Provide access to the crawl space/cellar
Provide access to the attic