1. Make the Most of that First Impression
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted - or at least freshly scrubbed - front door. Rake leaves in the Fall. If it's winter, shovel the walkways.

2. Clean Clean Clean
Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property.

3. Check Faucets and Bulbs
Dripping water causes stains and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract from what's right with your home.

4. Don't Shut Out a Sale
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.

5. Think Safety
Clean away potential disasters: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low hanging overhead lights.

6. Spacious Living
Potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They're looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.

7. Bathrooms Help Sell Homes
Make bathrooms sparkle. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. Enhance your bathroom with flowers, guest towels, and your best mats and shower curtains.

8. Pay Attention to Detail
Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, pushed-out screens and other minor flaws can detract from your home's value.

9. Dream Bedrooms
For a spacious look, remove excess furniture. Hang fresh curtains and use attractive bedspreads.

10. Warmth of the Sun
Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.

11. Sweet Scents
The old trick of delicious scents still makes homes appealing. Bake cookies, pies, or other delectable treats. Or use potpourri as long as the scent you choose is not overwhelming.

12. Coloring the Night with Light
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.

13. Garage Neat
Organize the garage. This is often a place that becomes cluttered.

14. Closets Are Important
Closets look their best when they are orderly and not too full. Be sure the lights work and pack away items unused to make them look more spacious. Great time to box up unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

15. Control the Music
When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.

16. Keep a Low Profile
CENTURY 21^® Sales Associates know buyers - what they need and what they want. Your CENTURY 21 Sales Associate will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.

17. Don't Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.

18. Expert at Hand
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your CENTURY 21 Sales Associate.

19. Make it Inviting
Be sure the front entrance is clean and inviting. Paint the gutters, downspouts and the front door. Also sweep the walks, steps and driveway.

20. Touch Up
A small investment in paint for the inside and outside helps. Remember to choose neutral colors.

21. Avoid Crowd Scenes
Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.