Preparing to sell your home: Tips for the inside

Clutter and dark colors turn off most buyers. That means getting rid of everything you can live without.

Have a garage sale to eliminate unnecessary items.  Use the money you earn to put some of your bulkier possessions in storage.

Bright lights and white walls make rooms look bigger.

• If you plan to paint, use white or off-white.
• Replace lights with higher wattage bulbs.

Clear kitchen countertops as much as possible. Reduce number of items in cabinets.

Arrange clothing neatly in each closet and reduce number of items stored on shelves and on the floor.

Clean and organize your basement, attic and garage.

Wash windows and mirrors.

Clean the oven and all appliances. Clean all grease spatters and polish chrome fixtures and surfaces.

Clean window treatments and carpets. Replace worn, stained and odorous carpeting.

Clean smudges, especially around doorknobs and light switches.