It's important that buyers and their agents feel like your property is a "hot property".  Before you call a home stager, follow these tips, so the stager can focus on the more complicated elements required to show your home:

1.  REMOVE CLUTTER!

This is the hardest and most important step.  Eliminating clutter and unnecessary items includes putting away personal items and clearing out closets.  Buyers need to be able to see themselves in your home.

2.  CLEAN, CLEAN AND CLEAN AGAIN

This means "spic and span" clean, particularly the kitchen. Buyers will expect no less, and it's worth the effort to sell your home for top dollar.

3.  CONSIDER CURB APPEAL

At minimum - lawns mowed, leaves raked, porch swept, garbage hidden from the front of the house, toys and yard "clutter" removed. Before they walk in the door, buyers may decide if your home is their dream home.

4.  FIX IT

Buyer's don't expect new, but they expect everything to be in good repair. No dripping faucets, broken windows, leaking roofs or damaged doors.

5.  MAKE IT SMELL NICE

Air out the entire house.  If there are smokers or animals in the house, clean the carpets and upholstery.

6.  LET THE SUNSHINE IN

Dimly lit rooms tend to look small and dingy, especially during the day. For rooms with little natural light, add a floor lamp. Replace all bulbs.

Now you're ready to call in a professional stager.  Staging is the element which creates the strong desire to buy your home!

Home "staging" is the term used to describe the process of preparing a home for sale by giving it a model home look. Most home sellers cannot view their house objectively. If you can’t see objectively, you can’t package it effectively. Staging a home statistically has been proven to boost its selling price. Your home will be shown in its best light to potential buyers. Well staged homes are a win-win situation for both the listing agent and the seller. Failure to capitalize on this advantage is unfortunate for both - so take advantage of the opportunity.