Preparing and staging your home for sale
Never underestimate the affect of the first impression. There are numerous ways to prepare your home for a showing. Now is the time to look differently and unemotionally at your home. Look at it as a product to be marketed. Be aware of what you can and cannot change about your home. This knowledge will allow you to concentrate on those items that will bring the highest rewards

First Impressions
The first thing a potential buyer sees is your home from the street. They call that first impression "curb appeal." Take care to:

• Remove any junk or clutter from the yard.
• Have a clean, crisp lawn, a bit of fertilizer makes for a greener lawn
• Trim shrubbery and hedges.
• Wash decks and porches make sure they stained or painted.
• Clean and paint or stain your front door.
• All exterior lights should be operational.
• Exterior windows should be clean and operational.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts.
• Walkways should be swept and free of snow or ice during winter.
• Make sure the garage door is closed.

Inside your home
Most buyers do not have vision. So help them by presenting your home at its best! Here are some minor investments, which may have some major returns.

• Paint - when it comes to preparing a house, painting gives you the best return for money spent.
• Flooring - at the very least, all carpeting needs to be steam cleaned. Any worn, damaged or stained flooring should be replaced, if possible.
• Clutter -If something is not necessary for your day-to-day life, box it up and store it or throw it out!
• Closets - Closets and cabinets need to be neat, clean and organized.
• Cleaning - the cleaner, the better. Dusting, washing, waxing, polishing everything will always make a good impression.
• Light and Bright - whether day or night, a lit house gives a "welcome home" impression. So turn on all the lights, indoor and outdoor. Clean the light fixtures and make sure the bulbs work. Open all curtains and drapes to let in maximum light. Your home looks more cheerful and it also prevents harsh shadows.
  
• The Scent of Success - Scented sprays are too obvious and may be found offensive. For a pleasing fragrance, add a few drops of vanilla extract on a stove burner or boil water and add some cinnamon. Refrigerator cookies are quick and easy to bake, as well as lighting a scented candle prior to a showing. Both will make your home more attractive.
• Waste Not - Empty the trash in the kitchen and any other waste baskets before a showing. Garbage does not send a positive message, even in small amounts.
• Comfort Counts- Make sure the thermostat is set such that the house is at a comfortable temperature. Turn off the television and turn soft, melodious music on.
• Pets - It is best to try and take your pets with you while your home is being shown. If that is not possible, at least keep them outside or in a crate. Animals under foot will put a damper on a showing.