Think of staging as the proactive process of preparing your home for sale, much as you would detail a car before selling it. Staging prepares your house to appeal to the most prospective buyers and allows you to more effectively price and promote the property.

First Impressions Are Critical: Don't Underestimate Curb Appeal

Many sellers miss the opportunity to make a first impression at the curb. If a potential buyer doesn't like what they see when they pull up to your house, they are not likely to bother going inside. The exterior of a house sets the tone for what awaits a buyer inside. If the exterior is drab and not well maintained, what impression does that give of the interior?

When you have lived in a house for a number of years, it is easy to lose sight of how overgrown the landscaping has become. I recently had difficulty locating a new client's house because I could not see the house numbers due to the overgrown shrubs. The sellers loved the privacy the hedge provided, but had not considered the impression it may give a potential buyer. It can be helpful to stand across the street and critically look at the front of your house. Be honest--what impression does it convey?

Some inexpensive "fixes" to improve curb appeal include a new mailbox, house numbers, a large welcome mat by the front door and fresh mulch in beds. A variety of lightweight planters can be found at craft and home improvement stores. Fill them with pansies and place them by the front entrance to add some much needed color to an early spring landscape. Investing a few dollars in improving your home's curb appeal can set the tone for a successful sale.