There are so many details to take care of when you are selling your home. One of the top things on your 'to do' list will be cleaning. For your home to look its best, it needs to be cleaned top to bottom until it shines.

For many families, the next question is, who is going to tackle this chore? With jobs and schools, busy schedules, family commitments, business travel and more, a total house cleaning may be more than you can fit into your schedule. You might consider hiring a professional cleaning service.

If you've never hired a cleaning service, use the Yellow Pages and make some calls to get an idea of the costs in your area. Ask what kind of cleaning services each company provides. Some, for example, don't do windows. Others limit the services to 'light cleaning,' like dusting, vacuuming and cleaning the bathrooms. You pay for 'heavy cleaning,' which involves scrubbing floors and walls or waxing the hardwood. Determine exactly what you want to have done and ask if the business provides free estimates.

Ask the company to come to your home to estimate the job. This is the best way to make sure you get what you want and the estimate for the work is accurate. Ask friends or neighbors for recommendations. If you don't know anyone who uses a cleaning service, ask the business owners in your area. Find out how long the cleaning service has been in business and if it is insured and bonded.

When discussing the work with the company, find out what you will need to provide in the way of equipment and cleaning supplies. If you are expected to provide the cleaning supplies, ask for a written list.

Before striking a deal with any cleaning service, you'll also want to check that they have current insurance coverage and are bonded. Responsible companies will also be able to verify the resident status of employees and should be taking care of benefits such as Social Security.

Make a list of the chores you'd like to have done and make sure that the company understands exactly what you expect. Don't leave a cleaning crew alone in your house with instructions 'to clean' and then expect outstanding results.

When the cleaning crew does arrive, treat them with respect and dignity and you'll get the best possible results. Make sure pets and kids are out of the way so they can get the job done and stay out of the way. It's not necessary for you to leave the premises but if you are hovering and underfoot, it only makes their job more difficult.

To make the expense worthwhile, shop carefully for a cleaning service and communicate well. Make your expectations clear and be sure you understand what you're getting. The wise approach will have your house sparkling in no time at all!

Before you list, make sure you're one step ahead by giving the kitchen and baths a detailed grooming. When it's time to make a move, you'll want to pay particular attention to your kitchen and baths. These are the critical spaces that can make or break a sale.

You may want to contact a professional to arrange for any necessary major repairs, but there's a lot you can do yourself to brighten up the most used places in the house.

Chipped ceramic, stained porcelain, and/or corroded faucets are sure to catch the buyer's eye. Replace faucets and fixtures for instant sparkle. And for small chips, there are repair kits available at your nearby home improvement center or hardware.

Repaint the walls and ceilings. Replace wallpaper for a bright, fresh look. Stay neutral, and avoid trendy or bright colors.

Mini-blinds should be taken down and cleaned and curtains should be laundered and pressed. If you have a pull down shade that's looking a bit shabby, replace it. It's easy and the cost is minimal.

Deep clean all the kitchen appliances. Make use of an old, sanitized toothbrush and toothpicks for detail work. Make sure the oven and fridge are spotless inside as well. Check the manufacturers' manuals for the best products to leave the surfaces streak-free.

Clean out and organize kitchen cupboards and the pantry. The next time you're in the market, notice how products are lined up on the shelf, "faced out." At home, arrange like products together, and turn all labels to face out. If your cupboards are filled to the max, donate or store items to create a more spacious look.

In the bathroom, declutter the linen closet, drawers, cabinets, and medicine chest. Organize the linen closet with neatly folded towels and sheets. If your towels are not all the same, consider rolling them into tubes instead of stacking them on the shelf. The less stuff in the cabinets and closets, the more spacious they'll appear.

Replace the shower curtain and/or the liner. Soap scum and mildew is a turn-off for any home buyer. After a thorough cleaning, re-grout the tub and shower to brighten the tile and freshen the look of the entire bathroom. Old toilet seats are easy to replace and make a world of difference. Add new trash cans or a plant, but keep the counter space as clutter free as possible. Personal items should be out of sight. Toss out or pack up knick-knacks, vases, trinkets, collections and anything else that detracts from the amount of counter space.

Freshening up the kitchen and baths is inexpensive, fairly easy and very worthwhile. Your efforts will reap big rewards in the selling game, and please any prospective buyers. Before you list your home for sale, take a good look at your kitchen and your baths and make a list of 'areas of opportunities'.