* Take stuff out. Don't let potential buyers be distracted by all your stuff. You should throw out, or at least hide, the clutter. Homes also look more appealing with furniture, so fill any empty rooms you may have.
* Paint and clean. If a room needs a fresh coat of paint, then paint it. Try to stay away from bright colors, which might not appeal to every buyer. Mop the floors and scrub the counter tops, and clean kitchen appliances, as well.
* Bring in a professional. Professionals in this arena are called stagers. Their fees can range from $200 for a two-hour consultation up to $5,000 for a full staging. Stagers can also provide any furniture and accessories that may be needed. A good resource is the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, at www.iahsp.com.
- Source: Consumer Reports
