Staging Tips

1. Clear out clutter and old belongings that don't add any value to the appearance of your space. Clutter makes the space feel smaller and, well...cluttered.
   

2. Store away some unneeded pieces of furniture. Utilize a few key pieces that will open up the room and give it a larger feeling size. For instance, furniture does not need to cover every wall in a room. Accent tables are just that, accents. If they don't serve a purpose or if they are only being used as 'filler' you won't need them for the purpose of showing the home.
   

3. Try pulling the furniture away from the wall. This creates groups within a room where someone could visualize the potential of the space. It also helps with traffic flow in and around the room.
   

4. If you have a junk room, get rid of it. Pull out things that you no longer use, or are saving for that rainy day and either give them away to someone who will use them, or throw them out. You could open up the room for a number of possibilities such as an office or well-organized craft room. The same rule applies for the junk drawer or closet.
   

5. Keep the space light and bright. If you have windows, lift the blinds about 1/3of the way up and separate the curtain panels. This also adds the appearance of more space and conveys a freshness that only natural light can provide.
   

6. If the space tends to be dark in an area, move one of those unused accent tables there and place a pretty lamp on it with at least a 60 watt bulb.
   

7. Don't be afraid to use color. But, you may want to keep in mind that you can use accent color in the décor and leave the walls in a neutral, un-intimidating color. If your walls have a lot of color, that can be okay too, as long as it's done in a tasteful, coordinated fashion.
   

8. Odd numbers of accessories look best, especially in groups of threes. But, be careful not to overload the space. Accessories can border on being cluttering. I know I love the funky clay bowl on my bar we use as a catch-all for our mail, but a person viewing our home probably wouldn't, and rather they would see it as a pricey trash receptacle.
   

9. Create a warm entrance for your guests. Often times the front entry is overlooked, but it's the first thing someone will see as they enter the home. Make sure there are no garden hoses to trip over, wasps nests to contend with, barking dogs to quiet or dirt and debris to clear away.
   

10. Be aware of the way your house smells. Most people use all 5 of their senses when trying to decide if they would consider purchasing a property. To get a true feel for your environment, turn off the HVAC unit and all ceiling fans for an entire day. Spend about 15 minutes outside, and walk in to get acquainted for the 'smells' in your surrounding. If it's musky or stale smelling, put out some baking soda and open the windows. If that doesn't work, some more aggressive cleaning methods may be appropriate.