One of your most important tasks will be to get your Houston home prepared for viewing. You will have some significant work to do if your home needs freshening up. Much of it you can do yourself, but if professionals are needed, such as painters, plumbers, electricians and landscapers, be prepared to spend a tidy sum to bring your house up to spec.

You will also want to secure a seller’s insurance policy that covers replacement of any appliances, plumbing or electrical apparatus for a short period of time following the closing. Your agent can help you find the right policy.

Here's a list of tasks you may need to perform: