First impressions are lasting: Make sure the front of your house is clean and inviting, keep your lawn and hedges trimmed and manicured. Remove leaves and debris from walks. Make sure that your pool is clean. A small investment in painting will make your home look fresh and return more in the selling price.

Pay attention to detail: Minor flaws will detract from your home's value. Fix loose knobs, torn screens, dripping faucets, clogged drains. Pay special attention to odors from pets or cooking.

Bright, clean, charming: Make sure your bathrooms sparkle, clean out messy closets, box up things neatly in the attic or basement. Create a warm, friendly atmosphere with fresh flowers, lots of light, a fire in the fireplace in winter, open windows in summer.

Three's a crowd: Avoid being present during a showing; the prospect will feel like an intruder and hurry through. Leave and take your pets with you. If you can't leave, step outside of the house and don't force conversation. If the agent has a question, he will ask you.

Avoid looking cluttered: While your knick-knacks may have given your home the personal touches that you have enjoyed, they may make it difficult for some buyers to envision the house as their own. Put as much of it away as you can. This will also give your home a more spacious look and feel.

Counters and Cabinets: A very important feature to most house hunters is plenty of counter and cabinet space. Clean off counters, and make sure your cabinets do not look like they are busting at the seams.