Staging your home for a quick sale, is as important as picking the right realtor to represent your home. It is imperative that your home appears clean,warm, and inviting. This peaks the potential buyer's curiosity giving them the desire to see more of the house as they move from room to room. Proper staging and tasteful decor is what could make or break a deal.

Depending on the condition of your home, you may or may not have your work cut out for you. If your home is an older home, or has been neglected, it is important to make major repairs, especially to any holes in the walls, water stains on ceilings, etc. Everything that is visibly broken or extremely worn should be fixed or replaced.

Once all of the obvious problems have been remedied, take a look at your walls. Do they have hand prints, food splatter, and dirt all over them? Try wiping the walls gently with baby wipes or a warm soapy cloth . Remember to clean the doors, light switches, and trim as well. If the job is too big, or wiping doesn't work, consider a new coat of paint in a neutral color. Nothing freshens up a house more than a new coat of paint. By choosing neutral colors, the potential buyer will feel like they have options when it comes to decorating their new home in their own style and taste, without an added expense.

Once the house has been repaired, and the walls are bright and clean, its time to declutter. People tend to feel claustrophobic or tense when a house is dirty and messy. You will want to give the appearance of spacious counters and shelves, so leave the bare minimum on dressers, desks, counters, and shelving. Dress up long tables and dressers with runners. Fresh flowers, bowls filled with fruit, river rocks, lemons and or limes are always a nice earthy touch. Be creative, anything goes, as long as it looks good.

Ample closet space is always very desirable. All closets should be neat and fresh smellling. Now is the time to get ride of anything you do not want or need. A good rule of thumb is, if you haven't touched it in a year, you won't miss it when it's gone. Organize shoes by type in an organizer or on the floor. Hang all slacks together, short sleeve shirts together, etc. This will help the closet look roomy and tidy. Be sure all beds are made. Throw pillows on the bed give the room a luxurious look and feel. Night stands should have only necessities such as a clock, phone and lamp on it. A stack of two or three hard covered books are a nice touch. If the lamp is not too tall, you can set the lamp on top of the books. Everything should be picked up off of the floor. Remove any piles of "stuff" from the corners, this will only detract from the space and the whole appearance of what should be a relaxing sanctuary.

In the kitchen make sure counters are wiped clean and not cluttered with appliances, baskets, toys, etc. Again, you want to convey a spacious work environment. Appliances should be wiped clean inside and out. One never knows who will be opening them up for a little look inside.

The bathrooms should be clean, have matching towels, and clutter free counters. The commode and shower should be wiped down, especially the floor around it. Set up some candles and you will be all done in there.

Before showing your home consider have the carpets cleaned. Although it's an easy fix, dirty carpets are a BIG turn off to potential buyers. Vacuum rugs, mop the floors, and dust the furniture as often as possible or as needed to ensure that the house comes across as being cared for. Lighting candles and spraying rugs with foam carpet spray gives the house a fresh smell prior to a buyer's arrival.

Don't forget about the outside. The front of your home gives off the very first impression. It's the cover to your book. The walkway and driveway should be free of bicycles, skates, gardening tools, etc. Plant flowers to add color and curb appeal. If you can not afford to add flowers, a potted plant or two along with a nice welcome mat will do the trick. Mow the lawn, and edge as needed. Keep trees, plants, and bushes pruned. Keep the flower beds free of weeds. The same applies to the backyard.

With some time, effort, and creativity, you can make your home a show place you will be proud of.

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