When you decide to sell your home, there's usually a lot of "sprucing up" to be done. Lighting in every room of the home - and on the exterior can help buyers see the property in the best light, or not. Here's a quick checklist to make sure you're giving lighting its proper due:

1 At minimum, check to make sure all light bulbs work - and are clean. Replace blown out bulbs. Any switch that is turned "on" should generate light.

2 To show your home at its best, turn on floor lamps or accent lamps throughout -rather than flooding rooms with overhead lighting.

3 If you have a favorite chandelier or other light fixture, replace it with one you wouldn't mind giving up - since you will sell your home with fixtures in place.

4 Check your exterior lighting. Again, all lamps should - at least - work. You can sometimes "dress up" an exterior by replacing run-of-the-mill light bulbs with decorative ones.

5 Break out the watts. Maximize the wattage in your light fixtures. Brightness sells.

6 Consider upgrading your light fixtures, inside and out. One night before putting your home on the market, drive past your home and see how well your existing lighting conveys warmth. You're aim should be a warm glow, much like that popularized by the American artist Thomas Kinkade.

Remember: your home's appeal will be elevated if it's well illuminated.

Ashton Harrison has a bachelor of science degree from UVA and a masters in business administration from the University of Richmond. Ashton was the V.P. of Operations for This End Up Furniture before opening the first Shades of Light retail store in 1986. She started Shades of Light national catalog operation in 1995 and launched the Shades of Light web site in 1997. Shades of Light specializes in the highest quality indoor and outdoor lighting, lamp shades, chandeliers, rugs, and curtains for every lifestyle. For more information please visit the Shades of Light web site and sign up for a free lighting catalog.