How should I prepare my home for sale?

You want your home to show well, which means getting rid of clutter and making sure it is clean, neat and well maintained both inside and outside:

Remove all clutter. Pack or store anything you do not need. Donate the rest to your favorite charity or having a garage sale.

Store your valuables or lock them up in a safe place. This includes jewelry, collectibles, artwork and medicines in your medicine cabinet.

Eliminate smoking odors and pet odors.

Paint the inside and outside with neutral colors, steam clean carpets or replace with new carpeting or flooring. Stage the furniture and accessorize with pillows, plants, candles and other accessories.

Curb appeal matters. Manicure your lawn and trim trees and shrubs. Plant new flowers. Mend broken fences or gates.