Home staging has become a cottage industry...and that is a good thing.  Staging, like most aspects of real estate, is about differentiating.  While your home is certainly special to you it is important to remove some of your personality from your home in order that buyers will be able to see it as "their" home.

There are many practical steps for staging a home - both inside and outside.  Obviously, curb appeal provides the first impression and in selling your home that often can be the difference between getting an offer and not. 

However, while the exterior is what attracts buyers initially it is what's inside that counts. Just like those we love, we need to see the inner beauty!  So showing buyers the inner beauty of your home is critical.  To be successful you must be able to show your home in its best light.

Several things you can do to make your home more attractive to buyers are:

• Remove clutter or excess furniture:  This will make rooms larger and allow buyers to see where they can place their own furniture;
• Odors:  If you have pets of any kind (yes, even fish tanks can smell) it is important to properly ventilate the home before and during the sales process.  You may need to have carpets professionally cleaned or use cleaning materials with live enzymes which will permanently remove the odors.  Don't use air fresheners.  They only cover up scents and most buyers can tell something is being covered up by all the vanilla candles, bowls of potpourri, or other plug-ins.
• Colors:  Keep colors to a minimum and preferably neurtal.  If carpets are worn, outdated or unusual colors replace them with neutral a color carpet.  Beige may seem dull but it neutral and most buyers would prefer to work with new neutral colored carpet than to think about having to spend money on new carpet.  Don't list your home saying "seller will credit for carpets."  you will get more money from them.
• De-cluttering:  This is really important.  Don't just consolidate all the extra furniture into the spare bedroom and jam it into the garage.  Move it off-site to storage or have that garage sale prior to putting the home on the market.  Who knows the extra dough might even cover some of the new carpet or paint you will be buying to spiff up the home.
• Minimize decorations:  Along the lines of de-cluttering you will want to reduce decorative items as well.  Keep items such as candles, pillows, magazines on tables to 3.  To much looks cluttered or messy.  Remove appliances in kitchen such as blenders, bean grinders, toasters, etc. from the kitchen counters to showcase the counter space rather than the appliances.

Preparing your home for sale is critical when bringing it to the market.  Presenting your home in the best possible light can make the difference between receiving a quick offer and a home that lingers on the market. 

Along with pricing your home to sell staging is one of the most important things you can do to get the most for your home.  If you would like help with staging or have questions about it I have some great resources that I would be glad to share.  Please let know and I will be glad to help you!  Together we can make your say, "TA DA!"