The Big Picture: Exterior Checklist
Remove any junk or clutter from the yard, including junk cars or parts, yard tools, lawn ornaments, toys, etc.
Powerwash dirty or moldy siding. Paint if necessary, or get competitive bids if you can’t do it yourself.
Replace or repair an old leaky roof, or be prepared to give the new home buyer a "new roof" allowance. Consider having a stained roof professionally washed or check your local hardware store for do-it-yourself products.
Make sure gutters and down spouts are clear and functioning properly. Stained gutters and down spouts should be cleaned. Check your local hardware store for do-it-yourself products.
Repair broken boards on wood decks and porches. Powerwash and seal, stain or paint wood decks and porches.
Check doors to ensure they open and close properly, without creaking. A simple shot of WD40 on the hinges will eliminate squeaking. Also, doorknobs and locks should turn easily and be cleaned/polished.
Make sure windows are clean and operational. Replace cracked or broken window panes.
Test all exterior lights to ensure they are operational. Replace burnt out bulbs with the highest watt bulb allowed by the fixture.
Make sure any fences are in good repair. Stain or paint if necessary.
Trim all shrubs and plantings. Trim trees if necessary, especially dead limbs.
Plant colorful flowers or hang tasteful holiday decor to make your house more homey.
Add a fresh layer of mulch to planting beds and around trees.
Clip your grass evenly and often while your home is on the market. Reseed and treat any bare areas in the lawn.
If the driveway is gravel and looking lean or rutty, add a coat of gravel. Consider resealing asphalt or staining/sealing concrete.
And don't forget to keep those garbage cans out of sight!
 

The Big Picture: Interior Checklist
Items not necessary for your day-to-day life should be stored off-sight, donated or thrown out!
Repair anything that is broken, loose or squeaky.
Check all plumbing and electrical items to ensure they are in good working order. This includes kitchen appliances as well as your furnace and a/c.
Have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimney. Supply proof of these services to prospective buyers.
At a minimum, steam clean all carpet. Any worn, stained or foul smelling carpet should be replaced, or be prepared to give a "carpet allowance."
Repair or replace cracked and broken floor tiles. Consider bleaching or re-staining and sealing grout.
Wax, polish or sand and refinish wood floors in tough shape. Your time and effort will bring big rewards!
Paint well-worn and out-of-date rooms to light neutrals or popular colors. A fresh coat of bright white paint on the ceiling can help brighten a room and get rid of pesky water stains. And don't feel compelled to re-hang all your photos and artwork. In this case, less IS more!
Even though you might consider your house clean and tidy, a thorough cleaning – including dusting, washing, and waxing everything – will make a house more appealing.
For those who smoke, try to smoke outside as much as possible (but don't through those cigarette butts in your yard!). Consider purchasing an ozone spray that helps remove odors without creating a masking odor.
Pets of all kinds create odors. While you may be used to them, they are immediately noticeable to those who walk in your front door. Empty litter boxes daily. Keep your dog outdoors as much as possible. There are many carpet fresheners on the market that could help.
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