Stage to Sell Your Home Fast

Surveys show that staging pays off and often helps to sell a home fast. But your clients don't have to spend thousands to make a big impact. Put the home center stage with these thrifty tips:

1. First Impressions Count. Roll out the red carpet for potential home buyers by sprucing up your entryways, especially the one on a lockbox. Welcome mats, planters filled with seasonal flowers, and clutter-free foyers and hallways set the stage.

2. Sell the Space, Not Your Stuff. Remember that the goal of a successful showing is to make a prospect feel at home – like it's theirs, not yours. Put away your extensive personal collections. Less is more: open up your space so prospects can actually see what they're buying.

3. Paint and Elbow Grease Work Wonders. Fresh paint and a thorough cleaning will give you the greatest “bang for your buck”. Remember that neutral walls are your best bet when staging a home for sale. Lowe's has all the right shades to make your home more inviting. Get started with Lowe's online Paint Visualizer.

4. Go with the Flow. Arrange furniture for easy traffic flow. Consider placing a major piece of furniture at an angle, such as a couch or desk. Angles add interest and can create a more open feel.

5. See the Light. Move lamps to dark corners and arrange window treatments so that natural light floods your rooms. Brighter is better, and your rooms will look larger. Visit Lowe's extensive lighting section for the latest in fashionable, functional lighting.

6. Go Green. Live plants can add decorative flair, without spending a bundle. Plants and cut flowers have a way of warming up a room.

7. Don't Forget the Outdoors. If you have a porch, deck or patio, clean the furniture and replace worn cushions. Give your deck a fresh finish with a new stain and seal.

8. Make the Kitchen Sparkle. Declutter the countertops by removing toasters, food processors, and other non-decorative items. If you have a breakfast table or counter, put out a couple of table settings complete with place mats, napkins, and dinnerware.

9. Warm Up an Empty Home. If your home is vacant, consider renting furniture for key rooms, but don't go overboard. Ask your real estate professional for advice, based on your home's unique features and selling points.

These home staging tips are a great place to start as you gather ideas for your open house. "For more tips, check out our articles about preparing your house for sale."