1. Remove Clutter. Time to throw away any old newspapers and magazines. Box up any belongings that are not needed. Pack up any clothing that is not needed so that closets appear larger. Remove any belonging from the garage. Allow your potential buyers the opportunity to visualize their belongings in the oceanfront home.

2. Clean your windows. Pay particular attention to the oceanfront windows. The view will be a big selling point and besides dirty windows are a turn off.

3. Time to give your ocean home a good spring cleaning. Clean the floors and shampoo the carpet. Wipe off any dirt or fingerprints from door knobs, and light switch plates. Wipe down the cabinets and counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms. Give your appliances a through cleaning. Help your oceanfront home make a good first impression.

4. Make room brighter by replacing blown and dim light bulbs to make rooms brighter. Before buyers arrive, turn on the lights and open the curtains to let as much light as possible in.

5. Make as many minor repairs as you can before the buyers see the home. Repairs like sticky doors, torn window screens, caulk the exterior doors and windows, caulk the interior counter tops, tubs, and showers, replace any broken and missing electrical outlet cover plates and light switch covers, and repair any plumbing leaks or dripping faucets. These small repairs will aid in making a good first impression on the buyer. Don’t know what to fix? Call a home inspector and order a sellers home inspection. A sellers home inspection will allow you to repair problems before potential buyers arrive.

6. Maximize your curb appeal. Cut the grass, rake any leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a couple of bright potted flowers near the entryway to cheer things up and get the buyers attention.

7. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

8. Clean out any debris in the gutters.

9. Change the front door hardware and house numbers.

10. Eliminate odors in the home. Clean carpeting and curtains to get rid of unpleasant odors in the home. If the carpet is old, consider replacing it. The added value to the home will likely far outweigh the cost of replacing it. Open the windows. The number one turn off to a potential buyer is an unpleasant odor.

Hubert Miles is the founder of Waterfront Houses USA, an internet advertising service that offers Oceanfront Home and Ocean Home available in the US and Canada.