Real Estate Articles
Staging Your Home To Sell
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Today's average homebuyers are demanding more than ever in the houses they are buying. Common requests are kids' own rooms, playrooms, home offices luxurious master bedrooms and more. That along with the designer craze, would-be buyers could be more impressed when the houses they are viewing look like -- or close to -- the houses they see in magazines and home decorating shows.

REALTORS® tell you all about curb appeal and staging the house. But sometimes it can help to go a step farther and invest a few extra dollars in really making your house stand out.

Curb Appeal
As with any style house, curb appeal -- the first impression -- is crucial. Even if your house is on the small side, if it's kept up well, boasting fresh paint, a manicured lawn and professional-looking landscaping, you'll be off to a great start. Keep cars out of the driveway, toys and yard tools out of view and spruce up windows and front doors.

The Entryway
The entryway gives your visitors a feel for what the rest of the house is like. Make it warm and welcome by providing a smattering of accessories -- but don't overdo it. A small console table with a lamp, a hung picture or area rug are ways to add warmth and texture.

The Kitchen
The kitchen is often where deals are made or lost. Today's kitchen is the heart of the home. That's why it's imperative that your kitchen looks its best. Little things like clearing clutter from the countertops, putting away excess appliances, papers, etc. or wiping down and painting the walls are ways to inexpensively brighten up the room.

Living and Family Rooms
One of the most important things you can do to make your living and family rooms look great is have your furniture placed as a decorator would. If you have a small room, use small furniture and try to keep from any . Choose a focal point like art, fireplace or entertainment center to have a warm, intimate or cozy feeling for your guests. Throw blankets, pillows, lamps, rugs and plants always are a nice touch.

Use Your Nose
Many people are oblivious to scents, but others are extremely sensitive to offensive odors. To eliminate bad smells, bathe pets, freshen litter boxes frequently, empty trash cans and ash trays. Shampooing of carpets and dry cleaning your drapesare also great ideas. Introduce pleasing smells by placing flowers or potpourri, fresh baked pies and breads in your home make the overall experience pleasant for your guests.

Make All Necessary Repairs
Buyers expect everything in their new home to operate safely and properly. Picky buyers definitely will notice minor maintenance problems you've ignored for months or even years. Leaky faucets, burned-out light bulbs, painted-shut or broken windows, inoperable appliances and the like should be fixed before you put your home on the market.

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