It's no secret. Today's buyer has plenty of choices for their new home. If you want buyers to see your home in its best light, you'll have to go that extra mile with regard to presentation and condition.

Buyers know what they want and they know what they are willing to pay. You want them to see the potential in your home instead of the others they may have visited. And you want to be able to command the highest price for your property. With the right ingredients, buyers can bond with your home and vision it as their own. So, let's get to work.

Your first line of order is to clean and de-clutter the closets and organize your storage areas. Since you will be moving soon, you might want to box up the things you can live without and place them in a storage unit. Never, never leave these boxed items stacked in the corner. Removing all boxes and unnecessary items will give your home a clean and roomy appearance.

With everything cleared out, you can now really see the condition of walls, woodwork, countertops and ceilings. Repair even the smallest items. Toilet handles that need to be jiggled and water stains on the ceiling are guaranteed to turn your potential buyer away. Clean, repair, polish and paint everything!

Now you're ready create the atmosphere that says, "Welcome home." An interior designer or professional staging assistant can give you the best advice on what your particular home might need. The goal is to have a home that is well coordinated and pleasing - one in which the buyer can easily see themselves. This goal is attained with a neutral palate, proper furniture placement and a simplified decor. Your professional assistant will know instantly how to highlight the unique features of your home. Sellers indicate a 'staged' home sells more quickly and for higher dollars.

If you want to try the staging process yourself, start by visiting model homes. The decor is almost always completed by an interior designer who has an eye for creating a cozy, comfortable look. Pay attention to furniture placement, lighting and accessories. Model homes look as though you could put your toothbrush in the bath and be right at home. You won't see dead plants, clothes and newspapers scattered around or cluttered countertops. Clean, tasteful and inviting is the look.

Talk to your Real Estate professional and ask for advice on how to present your home. You'll also get the best information on marketing and pricing.


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