Top 10 Rules of Staging

1) Start at the curb. You would do it too, slowly driving by a potential showing to see if its even worth your efforts to schedule a showing.

2) Make it sparkle. Get your home clean as if your mother or mother-in-law is coming for a visit, not meaning pull out all the useless stuff she gives you but make it hotel clean and fresh. Remember people will look everywhere including under sinks and in cabinets. Maybe invest in a odor neutralizing air freshner that will appeal to everyone.

3) Pay attention to color and light. Too bright colors may not attract as many buyers as neutral colors. Also a neutral home appears larger and is less likely to offend someone. Open blinds to make sure there is plenty of natural light coming in.

4) Depersonalize. Let the buyer picture their stuff in your home and not struggle to see how else the home could look. Taking yourself out of the picture allows buyers to imagine themselves living there.

5) Consider replacing furniture. Think about removing or replacing worn out or outdated furniture and get rid of extra pieces.

6) Invest in new artwork. Displaying new artwork is a great way to breathe new life into a room. Photography can be used to contemporize a room and add a splash of color as well.

7) Make repairs. Repair squeaky doors, fix a leaky faucet, and fix lighting fixtures or whatever else might else need to be done.

8) Apply a fresh coat of paint. A fresh coat of paint can make a room feel instantly better. It doesn't take a lot of time or money to apply a new fresh neutral color of paint to a room. Try taupe or beige for living areas and green or blue for bathrooms.

9) Don't forget the floors. Get rid of worn out carpet and rugs. An inexpensive area rug can cover a drappy old floor.

10) Spring for new light fixtures. Renew a room by updating light fixtures, hardware, and other electrical covers. If it's tacky or older than you get it out!