1. One of the first steps as a homeowner should be to call Marlene Katz so that she can inspect your property and provide you with an approximation of what your house should sell for. She can provide you with a list of comparable properties to yours that sold in the past six months.

2. She can also walk through your property and recommend what repairs need to be completed in order to get top dollar for your home.

3. In general, the easiest and most reliable way to improve the appeal of your home is to enlist a quality home service professional, which Marlene can recommend. The right professional can help you get everything in order-from repainting the kitchen to provide a thorough cleaning-so you can stay focused on more important things.

4. You need to make the most of a first impression. A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcomes prospects. So does a freshly painted-or at least freshly scrubbed-front door. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.

5. Investing a few hours can give you a chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up the living room, the bathroom, and the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh paint adds charm and value to your property. If you are worried about time, hire professional cleaners or painters to get your house ready. Remember, prospects would rather see how great your home really looks then hear how great it would look "with a little work".

6. Checking your faucets and baths for leaks is important. Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks, and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems distract from what's right with your home.

7. If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospects 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.

8. Be safe. Homeowners can learn to live with all sorts of self-set booby traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated visitors.

9. Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just a comfortable living space. They're looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic is clean and free of unnecessary items.

10. The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now's the time to box up those unwanted clothes an donate them to charity.

11. Bathrooms sell homes, so make them sparkle. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.

12. Create dream bedrooms and wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.

13. Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is during the daytime.

14. 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.

15. Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you are showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. Do everybody and favor: keep Kitty and Spot outside, or at least out of the way.

16. Think about your volume. Rock and roll may never die, but it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home, turn down the volume of the stereo or TV.

17. No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your home's appearance, let Marlene handle the situation.

18. 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.

19. Don't park in front of your house.

20. Help your agent-don't talk to prospective buyers or arrange showings. That's Marlene's job, let her handle it.