First impressions only happen once.

Your house will get the “white glove” treatment by prospective buyers and should be able to pass that test. This begins at the curb.
Get the lawn groomed and in great shape and keep it that way.
Make sure that buyers are wowed when they open the front door (which should be in perfect condition) and see the interior of your house for the first time.
Eliminate odors that could detract from someones first impression.
Remove your personal items from the walls remove any clutter caused by unnecessary furniture or decorations.
Replace worn carpet. Paint the walls, if necessary.
Fix anything that is broken. Replace light bulbs that are not working.
Replace the faucets on every sink and bath tub that don’t look new.
Replace the air filters in the A/C system.
Clean the kitchen and all appliances, internally and externally until they shine like new.
Dust the ceiling fans and replace the ones that are not in good working order or that make noise.
Replace outlet covers that are damaged or that don’t match the others.
Clean windows inside and out and make sure that they operate easily.
Replace damaged or worn exterior window screens
Clean the gutters so they flow properly and don’t leak.

Buyers will be looking for anything that they can find wrong with the house. Some things may seem minor, to you, but they provide an indication as to how the house was cared for by the owner. Anything that is in poor condition or in need of repair reflects negatively on the whole property and can significantly affect the selling price or your house.

Remove any valuable personal property

(like jewelry, cell phones, tablets, and laptops, etc.), and prescription medication or keep them securely locked up in a safe. Don’t use a cabinet or chest that can be broken into easily. You probably won’t be home when other people are looking at your house. Remove temptation and opportunity. Remove fragile items that might get broken. Some buyers will bring their children to tour your house, at some point, so protect items from accidents. Remove them.

Clearly label all items that will remain in the house during the showings.

Don’t create misunderstandings about personal property or fixtures, etc. Leaving, or selling, high quality appliances, along with the sale can sometimes enhance the appeal of the house, especially for buyers that need those items. Make sure that you understand the difference between personal property, real property, attachments, and improvements. If there is any questions, and you want to keep it, label it or remove it before showing the house.

Don’t forget about curb appeal

Keep the lawn mowed, shrubs trimmed, and flower beds mulched. (Think Model Home Again) Pressure wash the driveway and sidewalks. If your driveway is badly cracked, consider getting it repaired or replaced. Clean away any green algae or other discoloration on the exterior walls. Make the buyers get excited about seeing what the interior looks like by presenting them with a beautiful picture of the outside. You want it to look like you are creating an ad for Home and Garden Magazine.