A: As a Real Estate Professional, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have your house staged correctly. This is the one thing that will get your house sold first, and for top dollar!

Staging: the act of preparing a private residence prior to going up for sale in the real estate marketplace.

Why is staging so important? It makes your house appeal to the largest number of buyers by transforming it into a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing, and attractive space. The idea is to "stage" your house so that any potential buyer who walks through the door can see themselves living, and growing there.

The aspects of home staging include decluttering, depersonalizing, cleaning, neutralizing, improving condition items, and landscaping.

I can't tell you how many times I've shown a house that has toys and stuff laying around in the yard, there's laundry piled up on the floor, a stack of mail on the counter, and family pictures on the walls. I can tell you my buyers did not see themselves living there, and consequently, did not make an offer.

On the other hand, I've taken buyers to look at a home that is "charming" from the outside, and when you walk in it's almost like being in a model home. The furniture is arranged invitingly, the color schemes are neutral and inviting, there is practically no sign of anyone living there, and you should hear the comments the buyers make:"Wow! This is so cute!", "I can definitely see us living here!", and so forth...

If you aren't sure how to stage your house correctly, you must consult a professional. Call your real estate agent, many of us are very skilled in home staging. And if we're not, we can recommend someone who is!

This doesn't have to cost a fortune, and any money you do spend will be returned when you sell for top dollar!