Closely examining the condition and appearance of your home can help you realize a higher sales price and significantly reduce your market time. Often a small amount of effort can have a great effect on the marketing process.

• Does any part of the house need painting? Some types of financing, such as FHA or First-Time Home Buyer loans, check for cracked or peeling paint. Touching up paint can help avoid delays in the appraisal process.

• Does the carpet need cleaning? How about replacing? Renting a machine is easy and inexpensive.

• Do any cabinets need to be touched up or refinished?

• Should I remove an ornate item that a buyer may want as a part of the house?

• What is the buyer’s fist impression as they step inside the house?

• Is there any furniture or item I could store or dispose of to make rooms appear larger? Remember - you’ll be moving soon, so start packing unnecessary items now.

• Since the buyer will be looking in the closets, should I take some of the clothes out to make them look roomier? How about the linen and coat closets?

• Are all light bulbs working? Should I increase the wattage? Keep the home well lit.

• Can I take items from the kitchen cabinets to make them more spacious?

• Are the garage and storage areas as clean and neat as they should be?

• What is the buyer’s first impression of the exterior of the house? Is the walkway clear in winter?

• Does the lawn need maintenance? How about the trees, bushes and landscape?

• What about the door mats? Should I replace them with new ones that are neutral and omit our family’s name? Are there any other signs or plaques that bear the family name?

• What about the windows? Do they work well, or do they need attention? Do they need cleaning?

• What about screens? Any holes? Shall I remove them to let more light in?

• Are pets under control at all times? Not everyone likes animals, and they could interfere with showings.

• Are appliances in good working order? Are they clean? (Especially if they are being left behind).

• Does the house have a clean, pleasant smell? Try not to overpower a room with air fresheners.

• Are there items broken that need repair or replacement?

• What else can I do to make the house sell faster? Every little bit helps!