Get your home ready to sell.

Outdoors

• Spruce up your garden and lawn; trim shrubbery and replace dead plants.
• Yard and patio should be neat; outdoor furniture clean and in good shape.
• Clean or paint your front door — first impressions last the longest.
• Manicure your front yard; make sure your driveway and entryway are free of clutter.

Exterior

• Check that house numbers, mailbox, and exterior lighting are all in good condition.
• Touch up with fresh paint as needed.
• Inspect chimney for cracks or earthquake damage.
• Repair loose trim, drain pipes, and fencing.
• Clean stains and window screens.

Living areas

• Apply fresh paint as needed — think about brightening interiors with neutral-toned paint.
• Clean carpets.
• Replace burnt-out light bulbs.
• Clean the fireplace and remove smoke stains from the wall and mantle.
• Clean window coverings.
• Replace damaged window blinds.

Kitchen

• Sinks, appliances, and countertops should sparkle; remove any clutter.
• Clean the oven, range, and other appliances.
• Clean tile and grout; replace if necessary.

Bathrooms

• Clean mirrors, glass, chrome, and porcelain surfaces.
• Replace shower curtain if necessary.
• Fix any faucet drips or leaks.
• Clean grout and caulking; replace if necessary.

Closets

• Doors and drawers should open and close easily.
• Remove clutter; tidy up shelves and racks.
• Shoes and clothes should be neatly arranged.

Garage

• Remove clutter and tidy up the shelves.
• Clean the floor.

Overall

• Check the basics around the house. It takes just a minute to check that all doors, windows, and cabinets don't stick, squeak, or are too loose.
• Clean your furnace and water heater so buyers know they are looking at a house that has been well maintained.