Getting your home ready to sell, step by step.

Sellers ask me this at almost every first meeting. Most of what helps a home sell costs more time than money: clearing out, a few repairs, a good clean and the right paperwork. Here's the checklist I walk sellers through, roughly in the order I'd do it.

1. Start with a walk-through

Before you buy a single can of paint, walk the house with me. I'll point out what buyers in your area will notice, what's worth fixing, and what isn't worth the money. Big renovations right before a sale rarely pay for themselves; small, visible fixes usually do.

2. Declutter and pack early

Buyers are picturing their own things in your rooms. Clear the counters, thin out closets and bookshelves, take down most family photos and pack anything you won't need in the next few months. If the garage or basement is full, consider a short-term storage unit. You're moving anyway, so you're packing ahead.

3. Fix the small things

Dripping faucets, sticking doors, burned-out bulbs, loose handles, cracked outlet covers, stained ceiling tiles and worn caulk around tubs all tell a buyer the house hasn't been looked after, even when it has. A buyer's inspector will list every one of them. Fix what you can before the house goes on the market.

4. Paint, light and air

Fresh, neutral paint on scuffed or very bold walls makes rooms look bigger and cleaner in photos. Replace bulbs so every room has the same color of light, open the blinds and clean the windows. Take care of any odors at the source, from pets, smoking or a damp basement.

5. The front of the house

Most buyers see your home first in a photo of the front, then from the curb. Mow and edge the lawn, trim the shrubs, add fresh mulch, power-wash the walk and siding, and make sure the front door, house numbers, mailbox and outside lights look cared for.

6. Clean like it's moving day

Schedule a deep clean right before photos: windows, baseboards, light fixtures, the kitchen and bathrooms, and carpets. Then keep it photo-ready while the house is being shown.

7. Gather your paperwork

This is the step that catches Long Island sellers off guard. Additions, dormers, decks, finished basements, pools, central air and fireplaces may each need a permit and a certificate of completion or occupancy from your town or village building department. A buyer's attorney will look for them, and missing or open permits can hold up a closing for weeks. If you're in an unincorporated area such as Merrick or Bellmore, that's the Town of Hempstead; incorporated villages such as Freeport have their own building departments.

While you're at it, pull together your survey, your most recent property tax bill, receipts and warranties for major work like a roof, boiler or windows, and recent utility costs. If your home is near the water, have your elevation certificate and flood zone information ready; buyers ask. For a co-op or condo, ask the managing agent what the building needs from a seller.

8. Consider a pre-listing inspection

An inspection before you list can surface problems on your schedule instead of in the middle of a negotiation. You can fix them, price them in, or disclose them up front. It isn't right for every home; we'll decide together.

9. Photos, floor plans and timing

Buyers decide which homes to see from the photos. Professional photos, a floor plan and, for the right home, twilight shots or a short video all help the listing stand out. We'll also pick a list date and open house days that give the house the best first weekend.

10. Price it from the sales

The right price comes from what comparable homes nearby actually sold for recently, adjusted for your home's size, condition and features. Start with a free home valuation, and we'll go over the sales behind it together.

Sources: Town of Hempstead Department of Buildings; Village of Freeport Building Department; FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov). Permit and certificate rules differ by town and village; check with your building department and your attorney.