► Declutter
I think the best advice for any homeowner when preparing their home for sale is to make your home clutter free. Life’s stuff’ is a fact of life…but when you’re selling, they have to be hidden away. Pick up those toys, tools, magazines and newspapers that are lying around. Kitchen counters should be clear of clutter as well. Truly, your goal is to have all your rooms show as neat and orderly as possible.

► Be Generic
One thing when selling that is most important to remember is: you are selling a house, not your things. Pack up those expensive collections. Take down those personal pictures and precious mementos. Floors, walls, and space….that’s what you’re selling. If your personal life and stuff is in the way, it’s harder for a potential home buyer to see past it and envision the space as their own.

► Store the unnecessary
Many times, the reason people are moving is because there just isn’t enough space or storage in their home. However, things still need to be moved out to create a beautiful, inviting space for buyers. My suggestion in this case is renting a storage locker. It is essential to look at home staging and the associated costs (i.e. storage) as an INVESTMENT in your home. By spending a little to make your home look like a show-home, you can reap the benefits of great returns on that investment when the house sells for top dollar.

And one final thought….home buyers DO look in your closets…so tidy those up too!