It’s a good idea to start by storing personal pictures, knickknacks, boxes, piles of mail, and any other eye-catching distractions. Expert organizers suggest sorting through collections of books, magazines, CDs and newspapers, and getting rid of those you no longer want or use. Choose containers that are as practical as they are pretty to organize

Manicure the yard. Clean the windows, doors, and front entry. Plant flowers-tastefully, and abundantly! Pressure clean the exterior. Enhance and beautify with lighting. Reseal the driveways. Paint your house. Focus on the front door. Don’t forget the shutters.

Nothing smells better than clean! The source of the most common problem odors: pets, smoking, cooking, and mold or mildew. A zippered pillowcase filled with cedar chips, placed under a pet’s pillow bed, will absorb most of the unpleasant odors. Boiling an apple, a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a few drops of vanilla on the

Avoid bright colors, fluorescent and neon shades, or colors that are very dark. The hottest trends in paint colors are soft creams, taupes, and pale buttery yellow tones. Neutral colors have a universal appeal-both men and women give them favorable ratings. Don’t be tempted to keep the wallpaper. Generally, buyers are put off by it.