4. Wash the walls. Grease, smoke, and dust can adhere to walls and make even the best decorating look dingy. Wash walls using a general-purpose cleaner with hot water. Start at the top of the wall to avoid drips and in a corner so that you wash one wall at a time. Rinse the mop head frequently in clean water. And don’t press too hard because flat latex paint won’t absorb too much water.
Showing tip: Resist the temptation to spot-clean walls since it will make the rest of the wall look dingy. *This may be the time to repaint a room a neutral color if it is dingy or wall color is not appealing to prospective buyers.
5. Declutter: Go through each room and look for things you can live without. Box up and store items you want to keep, sell items you don't want at a garage sale or donate to a charity. Showing tip: This is a good time to stage your home. Remove personal items and pictures. Remove bulky furniture to make each room appear spacious. You want prospective buyers to imagine themselves in your home, not distracted by your pictures, furniture and personal belongings.
6. Outside: Trim bushes and trees, weed flower beds & add mulch if necessary. Mow lawn, edge around driveway and sidewalks. Reseed grass areas if needed, pick up dead branches and debris in yard left from the winter. Repair any rotten wood on the house, touch up paint, wash mold or mildew from siding. Check your garage doors to ensure they are in working order. Showing tip: This is a good time to plant some spring flowers for color while sprucing up your curb appeal.
If you are unable to do some of these things yourself, it may be to your advantage to hire professionals. You want your home to be the best showplace to be competitive in your price range!