So you are planning to sell your home. You and your real estate agent have decided on a price, based on current market value, but your home will sell faster, and bring a higher price, if it shows well.

Potential buyers will get the best impression if your home is clean, neat, uncluttered, in good repair, light, airy, fragrant and quiet.

This checklist will help you get your home ready to show. Here are a few general guidelines:

Clean everything. Cleanliness signals to a buyer that the home has been well cared for and is most likely in good repair. A messy or dirty home will cause prospective buyers to notice every flaw.

Unclutter your home before you show it. Have a garage sale. Empty closets. Throw away what you can't sell. The less "stuff" in and around a home, the roomier it will seem.

Let the light in. Raise the shades. Open the blinds. Pull back the curtains. Put brighter bulbs in all the lamps (but not bright enough to cause a glare). Bright, open rooms feel larger and more inviting. Dark rooms feel small and gloomy.

Let fresh air in. Get rid of odors that may be unfamiliar or unpleasant. People are most often offended by odors from tobacco, pets, cooking and musty or sour laundry. Fresh flowers and potpourri can be used to your advantage. Other smells that attract positive attention include fresh baked bread and cinnamon.

Fix anything that is broken. This includes plumbing, electrical systems/switches, windows, TV antennas, cabinet drawers, screens, doors and fences. A buyer will make a much lower offer if your house is in disrepair and will probably still insist that everything be fixed before taking occupancy. You're better off it you leave potential buyers no reason to offer less than you are asking.

Paint. There's nothing that improves the value of a home for a lower cost than a fresh coat of paint. And it's often easier to paint a room than it is to scrub it. Stick with neutral colors - off-white is safest.

Keep noise down. Silence is a restful sound that offends no one. Turn off the TV. Soft music is fine and is usually welcomed by most potential buyers. If necessary, close the windows to eliminate any street noise.

Some final hints:

• Make sure the temperature in your home is comfortable - keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If it is cold outside, and you have a fireplace, a nice fire will make your home seem cozy and inviting.
  
  
• Let the home and the Realtor do most of the selling. It is usually best to step outside during showings. Buyers feel uncomfortable looking and talking about your home if you are present. If asked any questions by potential buyers, be sure to answer professionally and truthfully, but don't volunteer any information.
  
  
• Tell your real estate agent all about your home - good and bad. Let the professional decide how to handle any negatives and feature or highlight the positives.