The saying is true—first impressions count. Putting some time and effort into getting your home ready for showing can go a long way and give you an undeniable edge with prospective buyers. Stay away from doing anything expensive, like remodeling; instead keep in mind that selling your house is also preparing to buy your new home. Don't raise your credit card debt or obtain new loans that will affect your credit scores and hurt your ability to qualify for your new mortgage.

General Maintenance

• Make sure things work—doorbell, doorknobs, light switches, faucets.
• Repair leaking taps and toilets.
• Re-caulk tubs and sinks.
• Repair cracked plaster.
• Check for ceiling stains, sometimes old leaks leave stains, even after you've already repaired it.
• If there is a leak, repair it.
• Repair broken windows.
• Painting is always a good way to spend your dollar, choose a color that will appeal to the widest group of people. Lighter colors make rooms look more spacious.

Curb Appeal

• Clean windows.
• Mow your lawn and rake leaves.
• Touch up exterior paint.
• Make sure pathways are clear.
• Add color with flowers.
• Buy a new doormat.
• Be sure that your landscaping looks at least equal to the neighborhood yards.

Indoor Tips

• De-clutter rooms and store excess furniture to make rooms appear larger.
• Clear counter tops and tables.
• Clean out cabinets, buyers need to see there is room for their things.
• Use up extra food, especially canned goods.
• Clean carpets and hard wood floors.
• Replace worn rugs.
• Put new towels in the bathrooms.
• Turn on the lights and open drapes or blinds.
• Odor control: for those who smoke, try to minimize smoking indoors while selling your home, purchase an ozone spray to help remove odors without creating a masking odor; for those with cats, clean cat box daily; for those with dogs, leave them outside as much as possible while selling your home, wash that cute dog and clean your carpets.
• Add plants and fresh flowers.
• Set your dining room table.
• Play quiet music.
• Remove or confine pets during open houses.
• Be absent during showings, buyers will really look then, instead of just running through.
• Put away or store knick-knacks, souvenirs, sport trophies and "de-personalize" the space to help buyers view it as their future home.