ream homes don't smell. If you have pets, if you smoke or ifyour basement gets damp and mildewed, your house will tattle onyou. A house that smells doesn't' sell - it's that simple. Youmay not even notice the odors yourself - but someone who doesn'tlive in it and isn't used to them will. Ask a friend for theirhonest opinion - and if they tell you that your house hasunpleasant odors, don't try to cover them up. Tackle the rootcauses by cleaning down to the shine - and then avoid buildingodors back up. Move the cat's litter box outside, and if youmust smoke, do it in the yard. Don't overlook more transientodors either. Avoid cooking pungent, garlicky or highly spicedfood within a few hours of a home showing. And while bakingchocolate chip cookies or apple pie won't sell your house, itcertainly can't hurt.2. Evidence of pest controlPeople living in dream homes don't need...

... to put out mouse trapsor roach bait. Make sure that any pest control items are wellout of sight when you're showing a house to avoid any hint thatthere's a pest problem in your house.3. Clutter and personal itemsWhen prospective buyers are looking around your home, they wantto see themselves in it - not your family. Buyers don't want tobuy a 'lived in home'. They want their own, special dream home.Put away pictures, albums and mementoes, clear off countertopsand get rid of clutter.4. Overstuffed storage spaceWhen you clear away the clutter, move it further than thenearest cabinet. If your closets look like Fibber McGee's, spenda weekend paring them down. Buyers will want to open closetdoors and see attic and basement storage space. If those spacesare overcrowded, they won't be able to gauge the amount of spacethey have. Not only that, overcrowded closets subtly hint atother hidden 'secrets' - if you're hiding your clutter, whatelse might be hidden behind the walls?5. Stained ceilings and wallsWater stains on your ceilings and the tops of walls are evidenceof leaks - either in the roof or in the plumbing, and that'strouble no one wants to buy. If there IS a leak, get itrepaired. Once it's fixed, prime and paint the damaged walls andceilings.6. Dirty bathroomIt doesn't matter how clean the rest of your house is if yourbathroom is dirty. Scrub the tiles, get rid of every sign ofmildew and make sure that the fixtures shine. Not only does adirty bathroom smell bad, it hints at a basic lack ofcleanliness about the entire house.7. Dated and worn-out wall-coverings and flooringThreadbare carpet, worn and missing floor tiles and outdatedwall coverings all suggest a house that hasn't been cared for orkept up to date. Unless they're specifically looking for a'fixer-upper', few buyers will look twice at a house thatthey'll have to redecorate before they can live in.8. Unkempt landscapingThe first impression that buyers get of your house is the mostlasting. Make sure that your house has 'curb appeal'. Shaggylawns, weeds choking the pathways and cracked driveways are allturn-offs to potential buyers. Spruce up the outside of yourhouse - fresh paint if you can, mowed lawn, and an attractiveentry to their dream home will go a long way toward making anexcellent first impression.9. A price that's too highEven if your house is in tip-top shape, if you've priced it toohigh for the market, it will not sell. If your house is in the$150,000 range, and you're asking $175,000 for it, prospectivehome buyers will compare it to other houses in the $175,000range - and likely find it lacking.10. Pets, children and other interruptionsNo matter how much people like pets and children, there aretimes that they'd rather not have them around. Remember that youwant prospective buyers to feel comfortable and at home in yourhouse. They'll find that difficult to do if their exploration oftheir possible dream home is interrupted by an over-enthusiasticdog or your children....