All this may seem like a lot of work, and it is, but it means a quicker sale with less hassle and more money in your pocket.
Bathrooms: Few places in the home can get messy so quickly (especially with children), and yet few things will "unsell" a house as fast as messy bathrooms. Sink, vanity, plumbing fixtures hardware, and mirror are the focal points. Other areas to inspect are: soap residue in tubs and showers, moldy shower doors and curtains, missing or moldy grout and soiled toilet bowls.
Kitchen: Most buyers will inspect the kitchen carefully, so time invested here is well spent. Clean the stove inside and out. Replace badly stained or corroded reflector plates under the heating elements on electronic range tops. Don't neglect the kitchen exhaust hood; buyers frequently check this area as a clue to general housekeeping.
Windows: Clean windows are an absolute necessity if a house is to look its best.
Water heater and softener: Perhaps because it's so unusual, a sparkling clean water heater or water softener really impresses buyers: and it takes so little time and effort.