Follow these winning staging tips to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Sometimes little changes can mean a big increase in your selling price!

Increase curb appeal-First impressions can make or break your chances to sell. Many buyers won't bother to go inside if they don't like what they see from the street.
Take a hard look at the front of your home-Repairs, even small ones, can vastly improve the appearance of your home-better yet, potential buyers will know this home has been well cared for.
Take a walk- Leave the house if you know potential buyers are coming. Let the agents do what they do best- sell your fabulous home!
Minimize buyer interaction with your housepets-As much as you love your pets, you don't want their presence to have a negative effect on a seller. If you can't get them away from the house altogether, confine them so they won't interfere with showings.
Get rid of cracks, drips, creaks and squeaks and don't forget to CLEAN -This is where details mean a lot. Buyers may see needed repairs as neglect on the part of the homeowner. Show your pride of ownership by presenting your home spic and span and sparkling. Hiring someone to come clean if you don't have the time could be a valuable investment and net a higher return on your sale.
Stow items that remind you of work-Put away all cleaning supplies, lawn mowers, vacuums, mops, etc. Accentuate the "fun" areas of your home instead.

Use these tips as a guideline to make your home buying experience the best ever.

First Things First
In such a competitive real estate climate, it is really worth your while to be prepared. Increase your chances of getting your "dream home" by doing a little groundwork first.

Get pre-approved- A small amount of time spent getting pre-approved can let buyers and their agents know you are serious, qualified, and ready to buy.

Submit a strong offer-With the housing market so competitive, multiple offers are more of a probability, so be prepared. Your realtor can be invaluable in this process.

Stay away from contingencies- The fewer conditions there are, the more attractive the offer will be.

Be ready to shop!-Houses can sell in just hours. Be ready to preview a home you may be interested in with very little notice. Know what you want so you can make a quick decision if necessary.

Communication is key-When the buyer and agent have virtually instant access to each other, those great opportunities won't have a chance to get away!

Are You
Covered?

Make sure by doing a home inventory

Everyone can benefit from a home inventory. Whether you're an apartment renter, a high-rise condominium dweller or a home owner, everyone is subject to theft, fire or natural disaster. As an exercise, try to take a mental inventory of just one junk drawer, and then imagine having to do that for your entire home after a fire. You might have an elephantine memory, but trying to remember everything after it's gone is a monumental task. Getting started is the hardest part. Use these tips to make the most of your efforts.

Everything Counts
Include any item of value, not just large appliances and electronics. Don't forget to document toys, the contents of your closets and anything in your kitchen cabinets.

Get Organized
Taking the time to record serial numbers, collect receipts and take photographs now can save you a lot of time later. Insurance claims are processed more quickly and are more likely to receive full compensation when they are supported with visual evidence of ownership.

Schedule a Photo Shoot
In addition to making a list of items, take pictures of rooms and large or important items. On the back of each photo, make a note of what is shown and its value.