As a home seller, you can play a key role in the timely and efficient sale of your home. Take time prior to and during the sale of your home to make sure that the details prospective buyers remember are positive ones.

l First impressions are extremely important – make sure your lawn, yard and landscaping is well-manicured and clutter-free. Leaves should be raked and swept from the entrance and the front door should be freshly painted or scrubbed.

l Keep your home clean and ready to show – even if you are typically not an extremely neat person, take the extra effort to make sure your house is clean and presentable. Keep empty plastic tubs handy to help you quickly hide the clutter if you need to show your home with limited notice.

l Let the light shine in – bright, sunny rooms make spaces look larger. Open curtains and blinds before a showing. If it is an evening showing, turn the lights on and make sure that all burned out light bulbs are replaced.

l Eliminate the clutter – you are moving so there is no time like the present to purge. Go through storage areas, closets and cupboards and throw out those unneeded items. Or better yet, donate items and add up those tax deductions.

l Create atmosphere – when you have a showing or open house, considering lighting candles and putting on some light music. Prospective owners will be using all their senses as they walk through your home.

l You may love your pets, but you can't expect the same from prospective buyers – if you can't put your pets outside, make sure they are out of the way.

l Maintain the comfort factor – make sure the thermostat is set to provide an environment that is comfortable.