Start packing! It may seem like a huge chore but you have to do it anyways and the less personal things in the rooms the better. Pack all non essentials that are not purely decorative....even pack the frames with family pictures, it is distracting to buyers. The cheapest but majorly annoying thing is to paint. Fresh paint can change a house in an instant and when buyers see the fresh paint they instantly think that you have kept up with all sorts of repairs and general upkeep...it's a psychological thing. Another thing is to make sure your windows are sparkling and if you have any heavy drapes or anything blocking the windows get rid of them. If you have the money put up some shears or some light curtains. Most showings are during the day and light streaming through the windows brightens up any room. The absolutely most important thing is to clean. It costs nothing though it is a lot of work but it makes an amazing difference...that first impression means everything in this case. If you are having open houses, do some small touches like fresh flowers and bake some cookies (noone will know if you use the refrigerator ones!). Oh by the way, if you have pets, especially dogs do anything you can to get rid of the pet odor, that will turn people away at the door. You may be used to it and most pet owners are but other people will notice. P. S. If it's possible to send your pets somewhere else during an open house do it but otherwise put them in the garage or a carrier or pen. While you adore your pets ( my cats rule the house) lots of people don't like them or are scared of them and strange people in the house usually freak out the animals. Best of luck to you!
Cleaning and getting rid of clutter will do more to sell the house. Pack away all those knick nacks and old magazines. It will make the rooms seem bigger and the cleanliness factor is self explanatory. You will be surprised at how much just being clean will encourage buyers. I always make sure the windows are as clean as I can make them also. Once again it just perks up the place. Lawn mowing, walk sweeping, leaf chasing. Any little thing to sell it without spending more money. Look at it as a second job and spend 3 or 4 hours a day on it and you will be surprised at the result. After all once you have decided to sell, the house is not just where you live it is a product to sell. Its work, but it is for the greatest return on your effort.
Clean and neat are a must, flowers always make it homey, a yellow entry door will make people feel welcome, the smell of fresh baked cookies, brownies or cinnamon rolls will appeal, remove rooms of over sized furniture and clutter, you want the rooms to appear as big as possible. Fresh paint (semi gloss) will freshen any room, remember to add 2 tablespoons of Vanilla extract to paint to eliminate the fumes. Makes sure the windows are CLEAN.
Ron's answer is right-on. Removing clutter and cleaning everything is absolutely necessary. But one other thing that most people forgot is the sense of smell. Be sure your home smells nice. (I use the Claire Burke Home Fragrances and always get compliments. Sometimes I add a tiny touch of a fragrance oil on a light bulb. Same principle as using a fragrance ring on the light bulb.) Just don't get carried away with the scent!
make sure all your grouting in bathrooms and kitchens is clean. That's a very big one for me since if you have managed to keep that in good shape then you most likely kept other things clean and maintained.
Landscaping, fresh paint, and if you can afford it vinyl windows. (Mass curb appeal!!)
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