Tips for Staging your home
Of course finding the right real estate agent is key, this is the person who will look after your best interests. Your home is most likely your most valuable asset. Plus, it is where you have raised a family and had some of your greatest memories, so be sure this is someone who understands what you need and what is your desired price.
After that, staging your home is something that will secure the price you want. Treat the sale of your home like you are having the most critical guest over for dinner.
Make sure the entrance/front porch area are clean and inviting. Add flowers and be sure weeds are pulled from any gardens.
Declutter!!! This is the perfect time to get rid of stacks of paper, the magazines and useless items or just store them out of sight. as much as you love the pictures of your family, keep out one or two (or three) but make the counter tops appear clean!
Lighting is so key, and often overlooked. Open up Drapes. Make sure lightbulbs are working and of the right ambiance. If your house permits, open up the doors and let the fresh air and natural light in!
Along with lighting, I like to have a nicely scented candle (sometimes fresh baked cookies). Fresh familiar scents can make the home incredibly inviting. Soft music playing throughout the home can also help set the ambiance. Especially if the home has built in speakers. Show them off!
Hopefully this goes without saying, but you never know, Make sure beds are made and laundry is put away neatly so that closets look organized. The buyer wants to envision their future in this home as one that projects an easy lifestyle.
Lastly, Small fixes can help, flowers, a fresh coat of paint, decluttering, getting rid of a rug that looks worn. Remember, it's not a good idea to invest in big fixes. The buyer might have different preferences and what you consider a wise investment is wasted.