The market has cooled considerably since it started to pick up in early February. One thing is certain - if you’re selling a home, you need every edge you can get. Back in the seller’s market of 2004-2005, you could literally put your home up without much thought to how it looked and still expect a sale. In our current market, buyers are focusing more and more on presentation - I.E. how the property shows. With a great selection of homes to choose from, buyers really are seeking “the complete package” - a home that’s move-in ready and also a great deal to boot.

Home staging is the art of preparing a property to sell. In many cases, the way furniture is arranged in a home, paint color, landscaping - even the way a home smells can be adjusted to make the home more appealing to potential buyers. REALTORs that focus on the art of home staging are acutely aware that even small manipulations of the above attributes can result in a faster sale and/or a higher sales price. For example, moving couches around to open up floor space, neutralizing strong paint colors or odors or simply “de-cluttering” a home can pay big dividends to home sellers.

 How can you go about preparing your home for sale? Your first step should be to contact a REALTOR who is aware of and skilled in home staging. They will be able to give you valuable tips that will help you increase the appeal of your home. The second step is simply to get out and do everything. Many sellers get hung up at this step. A home is a very personal thing - taking down all the pictures and rearranging the furniture can sometimes feel very strange - like sending your child to the barber for the first time. But if you have the energy and desire to get your home sold, make it a point to follow all the advice your REALTOR gives you.