Builders' models are often included among the stops, when buyers are looking at prospective homes to buy.  WeI therefore recommend that sellers make their home look as much like a builders' model as possible.  This can be done even if their home is an older one.  Using a rented storage facility, or even a corner of the garage or basement, allows the spaciousness of the home to be seen.

Whereas home inspections are not usually done prior to listing, it is a good idea to at least do a general check to see if any problems exist.  Sellers can expect that the buyers will hire a home inspector to do a thorough inspection, and it is good to correct any obvious problems before that time.

Buyers generally understand that sellers are still living in the home, and that it will not always look like a museum.  Sellers simply need to select a point somewhere between "living normally" and having the home exactly like a model.

Ken Gordon