1. Remove all clutter and personal items before prospective buyers view your home. Buyers do not want to see other people in their dream home, put away family memorabilia and clean the house of clutter from top to bottom.

2. Make sure all the bathrooms are clean and shiny. A dirty bathroom suggests a lack of cleanliness in the entire house.

3. Do not leave pest control devices out in the open. This suggests that the house has a pest problem and may put off the buyer no matter how eager they may be.

4. If you smoke or have pets, make sure you neutralize these odors. Although you may not notice the odors, anybody who does not live in the house surely will. Remember, dream homes do not smell. Check for dampness in the basement area to ensure that there is no mildew. A common saying among realtors is that ?a house that smells doesn't sell.?

5. Clear your storage space and the attic. Buyers will always want to see your closet, attic and basement areas. If you have to store items in them, keep them orderly and in boxes to eliminate the appearance of overcrowding.

6. When buyers view your home, make sure that your children and their pets do not cause any interruptions. The secret is to make prospective buyers as comfortable as possible.

7. Since the first impression of the buyer is the exterior, make sure your landscaping, lawn and garden are trimmed and well-kept. Ensure that or house has curb appeal. If you have to, paint a fresh coat on the exterior. This will go a long way in ensuring that your home makes an excellent first impression.

8. Make sure there are no water stains on your ceilings and tops of walls. These are evidence of leaks in the roof or in the plumbing; ensure that they are painted over and the problems repaired.

9. Replace threadbare carpet, worn or missing floor tiles and polish wood floors. Unless your buyer is in the market for a fixer-upper, few buyers will make a serious offer for a house they have to repair and redecorate before they move in.

10. Lastly, make sure that your asking price is not unrealistically high. Buyers will most certainly make a comparison between your home and others of the same type in the market. Make your asking price competitive.