When you place your home on the market for sale, it is essential that
you present it in the best possible manner to potential buyers. This is
called staging, and there are professionals who will assist you in
presenting your home in its best light. Here are some tips that we all
can follow:

You should begin moving before you put your home on the market. Have a garage sale, box
up those items that are seldom used and move them off premises, or store them neatly in
the garage. Get rid of items you won't need in your next home now, instead of throwing
them away after you move!

Look at each room in your home. In high traffic areas, remove excess furniture to increase
the feeling of spaciousness in those areas. Try to accent some feature in each room and
make sure it's not blocked from view from a doorway by a plant or other object. Increase
the wattage of your light bulbs, and make sure each room can be significantly brightened
either by natural or artificial light. Avoid controversial or eccentric décor. Posters, especially
in older children's rooms, may create tension in some buyers.

Countertops should be clean and uncluttered. Put away seldom used appliances, soap
holders, etc. Especially for those of us with pets, have someone who does not come over
often check for odors, as you may have become inured and no longer smell it. As for photos
and other personal items, some stagers encourage and others discourage their display.

As the saying goes, you only have but once to make a first impression. The first first
impression is when the potential buyer arrives at your home. A neat yard, trimmed bushes,
clean walkways and driveways, and a clean exterior are important. A neglected exterior may
indicate a neglected interior to a buyer. A new doormat, a clean brass door knocker, plants
on the porch, and a clean, fresh entry all help to set the stage for a successful tour of your
home.

Written by: By Barry Rose, Prudential Fezler & Russell Real Estate