For most Americans, your home is your biggest investment. That’s why when you put your home up for sale, it’s so important that it looks great to the majority of potential buyers. Let’s face it. You only get one chance to make a great first impression!

According to home industry experts, within a few seconds after entering a house, potential homebuyers make an emotional decision whether or not to buy.

So how do you give potential buyers a great first impression? Stage your home. When I worked in television, we marketed our shows the same way. We staged or decorated the set to look attractive and inviting so the audience would be drawn into the show. That’s exactly what you need to do when you sell your home.

One of the top ranked realtors in Austin told me that his average staged home takes less than half the normal marketing time to sell. He also told me that “It is a proven fact the faster you sell the home the more likely you are to get full price”.

As a designer, that makes sense to me. Besides doing a thorough cleaning, removing at least 50% clutter and making basic repairs to the home, I recommend focusing on five target areas to make your home more appealing to buyers.

1. Curb Appeal/Front Entrance – The majority of buyers won’t leave their car if the house lacks curb appeal. Stand outside and take an objective look at the home. Is the yard well maintained and the entrance attractive? Place a pot of colorful flowers by the front door, a warm welcoming doormat and a visually appealing front door decoration such as a wall basket or wreath. A meticulously manicured yard and beautiful entry will draw the prospective buyer inside.

2. Inside Foyer –Once inside create a welcoming ambiance that engages all the buyer’s senses with great lighting, soft music, inviting décor and a clean scent. Focus on everything that you can see from the front door and focus on the entry. Add an inviting rug on the floor and ensure your entry is well lit with an updated light fixture.

3. Living/Dining Room - Ensure the décor is updated and neutral without personal accessories such as photographs, religious items or sports team items. Give the buyer and opportunity to visualize living there with their treasured items and personal sense of style. Add pops of color in accessories to add interest.

4. Kitchen – With the exception of a few decorative accessories, clear the countertops to create maximum work space clean your appliances and give the kitchen a bright light appearance. Sparkling clean ovens, refrigerators, sinks and faucets are a must. Then as a final touch, place a little vanilla extract on your light bulbs to create a wonderful baking aroma that will give the buyer a sense of being at home.

5. Master – Go with a light neutral bedspread to make the room appear larger, avoiding dark rugs. Set the stage for an inviting retreat complete with a seating area on one side, organized closets and clutter free floors. In the bathroom, think elegant retreat and use thick thirsty towels that coordinate with your décor.

Remember, even if you’re not selling your home and you just want to make your home more appealing to guests, staging is a great look. Its lights, camera, action, Hollywood style.

Article written by Kansas City’s top home stager, Karen Mills. Mills is also the designer and host of Living Large, a professional writer and public speaker. For more information, go to karenmills.net

Phone: (913) 485-3547 or (913) 317-8508 Email:Karen@Karenmills.net