So, you want to sell your house?

I'm here to help you sell your house. Really! My daughter & I have been staging homes for many years and have seen our fair share of disasters. Look on any MLS and you will see more bad photos and poorly presented homes than you will see well-staged ones. It is up to you to make sure your realtor takes and uses professional looking photos to market your home. A potential buyer does not want to see a dirty dog bed in a living room with an empty beer bottle and a laptop sitting on the coffee table....we've seen this photo and trust me it WON'T sell your house. We will discuss the importance of photos and marketing later.

Before we started this crazy and wonderful business, we thought most people knew the importance of updating and cleaning their home prior to putting it on the market....how wrong we were!!! The prevailing theory seems to be "we like our house the way it is, why wouldn't someone else?" Do I really have to answer that?

So, without further ado, let's get started.

Two words: Curb Appeal

You only get one chance to make a first impression, right? It is vitally important to grab a buyers attention (in a good way) before they even step inside your front door. Here are a few often overlooked areas you should spend some time (and money) on:

• Wash. Rent a powerwasher if you have to, but get the stains off sidewalks, decks and driveways. Clear away the spider webs from exterior doors and windows (this will also look better from the inside).
• Whack. Trim the bushes, trees and lawn. If you can't see the front of the house for all the greenery, maybe it's time to call a professional.
• Weed. If you neglect the outside of your home buyers will think you didn't take care of the inside either.
• Water or replace. Make sure all outdoor plants are thriving (in the appropriate months) and replace them if they aren't. A lush yard, patio or garden is $$$ in your pocket plus some colorful posies make a house feel more homey.

Did you know a charming and comfortable patio, deck or outdoor seating area is thought of by potential buyers as another "room"? It's true. Make it sparkle and shine. Invest a few dollars in new cushions and pillows. A matching umbrella, blooming potted plants, tiki torches, or colorful table setting can set the stage for a buyer to linger & enjoy.

Are your house numbers or porch lights rusty? Paint or replace them. Is the paint peeling here & there? Touch it up. Has the dog scratched the door? Paint it. Remember, if you aren't selling your house as a "fixer-upper" you don't want it to look like one.