IS YOUR HOME READY TO SELL? BASIC STAGING STRATEGIES

In a tough market like this, so often the difference between selling today and selling in 4 months is very simple--STAGE YOUR HOME! Moreover, homes that have simple added touches tend to sell quicker.

Here are some simple guideposts for a quicker sale:

SIMPLE STAGING STRATEGIES

#1 - Clean. Your home should smell and look clean! Typically this involves hiring a cleaning crew. In fact, having a cleaning service return weekly while your house is for sale is probably a pretty good investment. Get your windows professionally cleaned inside and out too.

#2 - Fix. Does that faucet drip or that wall look scuffed? These will send the wrong message to potential buyers. Getting them fixed before you put your house on the market is a smart idea. Put your best foot forward.

#3 - Get Rid of Clutter. There is a 50% rule for eliminating half of the items in your home. This may be the hardest rule of all! We love clutter - - it reflects our memories, hobbies, and values. But it won't sell homes! Clutter makes homes seem smaller and disorganized.

#4 - Neutral with Class. Neutral colors sell! Fact not opinion. Try to convey an image of quality and neutrality. Potential buyers walking through your home want to imagine themselves as the owners. If you use styles or colors they would never select, you've just turned them off. Staying high-quality, but neutral is safest.

#5 - De-personalize. Remove objects that your potential buyers won't be able to identify with. Some examples are items like personal photos, religious symbols or political affiliations. Buying a home is an emotional decision, and you want potential buyers to make an emotional connection with your home by being able to "see" themselves in it. The last thing you want is for them to be turned off because they don't like your political candidate. After all, the key is to sell your home!

Follow these steps, along with pricing your home right, and you should be well on your way to signing escrow papers in a few weeks!