Let's face it.  There is a lot of competition in the Real Estate market these days.  But this is not because the inventory of residential homes has grown significantly, it is because the available pool of buyers has shrunk dramatically from a year and a half ago.  So in my opinion, I shouldn't have to tell you that if you are selling (or thinking about selling) your home, every showing is critical.

Sometimes I am amazed at the condition of some of the homes that I have shown to potential buyers.  OK, I am smart enough to know that not every home is a showplace, but the reality is every seller should do everything they can to make potential buyers think it is.  In a market where buyers have so many choices, what is going to make them choose yours over the next 20?  You got two choices; price it lower than the competition or if priced equal or higher than the competition it had better be immaculate and ooze aesthetic appeal.

I would highly recommend to anyone who is currently selling or thinking about selling to consider hiring a professional stager.  Because your home is such an integral part of your life, it can be hard to be objective about your own home.  What you love may be different from what someone else loves.  And honestly, the whole point of listing your home is to get rid of it, right?  So get over the emotional attachment.  It is only standing in your way.  OK, back to professional stagers.  They will walk through your home with and tell you room by room what you need to do to make the home "show" well.  It is more than just decluttering.  It is actually merchandising your home to prospective buyers.  If you decide to go this route, do some homework.  Make sure they can demonstrate a proven track record.  Get references and call them.  If you want top dollar for your home, a professional stager can be a key piece of the puzzle.

If you can't afford a professional stager, visit the website of home staging expert Debra Gould who is also known as "The Staging Diva"  On her website, http://www.thestagingdiva.com, Debra offers some great advice on things you can do yourself to make your home show better to prospective buyers.  Her ten free home staging tips can be found at http://www.stagingdiva.com/freehomestagingtips.html.  There is lots of other great information for home sellers on her website as well, so if you are trying to sell your home or thinking about putting your home on the market, I would highly recommend you spend some time there.

Remember, if you want to sell your home and get the best possible price for it, you should do everything you can to create a great first impression.  It will be well worth the effort.  Good Luck!