1. Repair Exterior Elements.  Nothing turns off buyers faster then what they notice first, such as cracked sidewalks,  loose gutters, peeling paint or curled shingles.  Most of these exterior repairs can be done over the weekends by you or a contractor.  Keep your grass cut, maybe plant some flowers.  Think Curb Appeal!     2. Freshen up the Basement.  The basement should be dry, neat and odor-free.  If you have had leaks or flooding, arrange for a water-proofing company to take a look.  Cracks often can be repaired with a method called epoxy injection.  Whatever the method, contractors usually offer a lifetime warranty that is transferable to the new owners.  A basement is a big plus in a home, but not if it represents problems for the new home owners.     3. Freshen up the Interior.  A new coat of paint goes a long way.  Remember however that 90% of a good paint job is in the preparation.  Take the time to patch holes and nicks on the walls and in the woodwork before getting out the paintbrush.  A poor paint job can be worse than the old ugly walls.  Try also to use neutral light colors, consider the paint that will work with most buyers furniture.      4.  Look at the Floors.  If your bedroom carpet has a path worn in it that resembles the road to Morocco, consider replacing it.  Tile floors with loose grouting should be touched up or re grouted.  Worn wood floors should be refinished.  Hardwood floors are very popular right now, if you have hardwood floors under your carpets, consider exposing them, or at least let your Listing Agent know they are there.     5.  Pay Attention to how your home "Feels".  Make sure doors don't stick, doorknobs are installed tightly and kitchen drawers glide easily.  All your windows should open, and every light switch should work. Yes, buyers check it all.  Railings on porches and staircases should feel sturdy and not "wiggle".      6.  Spruce up the Bathroom.  It should be spotless: no mildew or mold or funk (that's a professional term for yuck).  If the caulk line around the tub looks like a child's science experiment gone haywire, replace it, buy a new shower curtain also.  Make sure the pipes under the sinks aren't dripping and the faucets work like new.   Bathrooms and  kitchens are the biggest selling points to a home!      7.  Kill the Clutter.  Rent a storage locker if necessary, and organize your garage and closets.  Look at your home from an outsider's point of view.  Limiting your personal items will help prospective buyers envision their own valuable in your home.  If the room has wall to wall furniture, it appears smaller and less inviting.  Sometimes less is actually better.  Take all the pictures and magnets off the refrigerator.  Leave the counters as bare as possible in the kitchen.  You want that kitchen to look LARGE.        8.  CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN.  Give your home a thorough basement-to rafters cleaning.  if that is too taxing, hire a cleaning crew to scrub the place down.  Don't forget the windows and pull the drapes back to allow in as much natural light as possible.  Buyers look at everything just as you would.  Give them a great first impression!