A well manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of the property, the better.

2. INVEST A FEW HOURS FOR FUTURE DIVIDENDS

Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor re-decoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property. Prospects would rather see how great your property really looks than hear how great it could look, "with a little work."

3. CHECK FAUCETS AND BULBS

Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract from what's right with your property.

4. DON'T SHUT OUT A SALE

If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's 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.

5. THINK SAFETY

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

6. MAKE ROOM FOR SPACE

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

7. CONSIDER YOUR CLOSETS

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

8. MAKE YOUR BATHROOMS SPARKLE

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

9. CREATE DREAM BEDROOMS

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.

10. OPEN UP IN THE DAYTIME

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

11. LIGHTEN UP AT NIGHT

Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your property in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.

12. AVOID CROWD SCENES

Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a property filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they are likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum, or better yet, take a walk while prospects are in your property.

13. WATCH YOUR PETS

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

14. THINK VOLUME

Rock-and-roll will never die, but it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your property, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.

15. RELAX

Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your property with a minimum of distraction.

16. DON'T APOLOGIZE

No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your property's appearance, let your REALTOR® - handle the situation.

17. KEEP A LOW PROFILE

Nobody knows your property as well as you do. But your REALTOR® - knows buyers, and what they need and what they want. They will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your property if you stay in the background.