The first order of business is to make your house shine from top to bottom, inside and out. There is no such thing as too clean. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms.

People don't buy dirty, messy homes! You would think this is obvious, but an amazing number of people put their homes on the market without cleaning it up first.

Your home should be clean, but that's just the beginning. Odors from smoking and pets will scare buyers away fast. Now is also the time to fix all of those little items that you've been meaning to get to.

Some additional ideas which you may want to consider:
Plan a tag sale, or a tax-deductible donation to remove old furniture and toys, appliances and other clutter material. Your attic, garage, closets, cupboards and storage space will look so much bigger, and moving will be easier for you.

• A newly painted wall (in a light or neutral shade) is a canvas to the eye of prospective buyers; and clean windows brighten and enlarge each room.
• A well clipped yard - free of scattered toys - allows viewers to focus on the neatness of the home.
• Fix dripping faucets and repair any caulking cracks. Bathrooms are a key selling point.

If you are prepared to invest some money to improve your home's presentation, start with the most cost-effective projects and remember to keep a journal of jobs and receipts. Home improvement costs are often deductible (when costs are incurred 90 days before the sale and paid within 30 days after the sale). While lawn mowing and weekly cleaning bills do not qualify according to IRS regulations, new paint, a new water heater, or new gutters usually do apply.

Some hints:

• Replace broken gutters and shutters.
• New floor coverings (in neutral shades) on kitchen and bathroom floors may be another affordable investment which can speed a sale by appealing to buyers' desire for a property that is 'ready to move in,' particularly if the current style of colors are dated.
• Repair broken woodwork, loose planks, and creaky stairs. Almost NO buyer wants a home that needs structural repairs.
• Hardwood floors are a plus. If you have hardwood floors, consider removing the floor covering, especially if the carpet is worn.

You may want to reconsider more ambitious jobs, however, if you are thinking of selling the home any time soon. While bathroom and kitchen upgrades generally help appreciation, not all home additions will add value to the property - other than value which you personally enjoy. Not everyone wants a swimming pool that could be a safety hazard for young children, or an island kitchen design that restricts kitchen traffic flow. A new deck may recoup its installment costs, but new kitchen cabinets come in a variety of designs and styles the buyer should choose.