For one reason or another, you’ve decided it’s time to move. Now’s the perfect time to take a good look at your home. You may see it as perfect (or Not!). Regardless of how you view it, put yourself in the mind of your prospective buyer. What’s the first thing she’ll notice when she steps out of the car? Will he share your taste in lawn ornamentation?

The following list should get you thinking about what you might want to do before planting my sign in your yard. Some of these suggestions are simple things that you know you just haven’t gotten around to. Others may be things you hoped you’d never have to do ("It was like that when we bought it…and it didn’t keep us from buying it").

1. Paint. You can’t put it off any longer and when you do, keep it neutral. Most folks have watched enough "This Old House" to believe that cracked, faded or peeling paint–inside or out–might be the first sign of some bigger problem. Also, people might have a hard time picturing their furniture in your purple living room.
2. Carpet. Old, worn or stained carpet is a real turnoff. Replace the carpets if you need to. Or, if that nasty carpet is hiding hardwood floors, get rid of the carpet and clean them up–today’s buyers love hardwood.
3. Revisit your "Honey-Do" list. And, address each item. Fix that leaky faucet, replace that light bulb in the garage, and take down any out-dated holiday decorations before buyers start looking at your home.
4. Look at your appliances. If your built-in appliances are outdated or not working as well as they used to, it might pay to replace them. Shiny new appliances can be a real selling point.
5. Don’t use it? Lose it! Recycle those old papers and magazines. Pack up your fragile collections and any "dust-collectors." Relocate any extra furniture or potentially offensive accessories (This means guns, taxidermy, some religious paraphenalia, etc.). Too much clutter will make your home seem smaller. Moving is also the perfect time to get rid of that stuff you don’t use or want anymore. Think yard sale!
6. Get into the Closets. There’s never enough closet space. Make yours look as roomy as possible. Remove (and store or donate) any clothes you don’t wear any more. Just remember, it won’t ever come back in style, and if it does you can get a new one on sale at Old Navy.
7. Nothing Personal. One of the most overused plots in family-based sitcoms is the one where the parents want to move and the kids don’t. So the kids ward off prospective buyers by taking them (and us) on a sentimental journey through the house. People want to be able to picture themselves living in your home. Too many personal mementos and reminders will make them feel like intruders rather than invited guests in your home.
8. Clean…like you never have before. Everything should be sparkling. The place should look and smell clean and fresh. If you have pets, clean or replace any stained carpets. If you smoke, get rid of that amber tint on your windows and walls…forget lung disease, do you know what smoking can do for your resale value!
9. Curb Appeal. Some appointments end before the buyer steps out of a car. Welcome prospective buyers with a mown lawn (or shoveled walk in winter), colorful flowers and attractive plantings.
10. Making an entrance. I read somewhere that painting a front door yellow makes for a speedier sale. I’ve never suggested that to a client, nor have I tested it myself. But do what you need to to make your entrance grand. Polish the knocker. Oil a sticky lock. Replace a torn screen. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint.

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