n Tend to the lawn - You don't want to be a "drive by"!  Since the outside appearance of your house is the first thing potential buyers see, it is imperative that you do whatever you can to make your house inviting.  Weed the beds.  Plant some seasonal flowers for color. 

Trim back bushes - especially any bushes that are covering windows.  If possible, add a couple of pots with evergreens or seasonal flowers by your front door.  If you don't have a green thumb, it's better to have minimal landscaping than a yard full of dead or overgrown plantings.

n Clean, clean, clean! - A sparkling house looks well-cared for.  We recommend hiring a professional cleaning service prior to your first open house.  Kitchens and bathrooms are especially important.  Clean windows and rugs. 

Hot Tip!  Here's a trick for getting furniture marks out of carpet:  Sprinkle the indention(s) with a little club soda, place a white cotton cloth over the area and iron.  You may need to do this a few times.  If necessary, fluff the carpet with a fork.

n Update with color- A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for making a house look fresh.  When it comes to color, think neutrals.  Some of our favorite paint colors for staging are:
      -  Benjamin Moore Navajo White (tan/white)
      -  Benjamin Moore Linen White (creamy/white)
      -  Benjamin Moore Windham Cream (creamy pale yellow)
      -  Benjamin Moore Healing Aloe (pale blue/green)

n Clear out the clutter- When you have too much "stuff" out, it gives buyers the impression that the house does not have enough storage room.  Pre-pack items that you do not use on a regular basis.  Bookshelves should be about half full with books and items neatly displayed.  Make your closets look bigger by packing up out-of-season clothing and store all clothing neatly. 

n Pack up Personal items and collections -  Family photographs and collections are distracting.  You don't want buyers to focus on pictures of your family and miss a beautiful feature of your house.  Besides, you're not selling your family and/or favorite collections so why should they be on display?

n Take care of your pets - Be sensitive to the notion that potential buyers may be allergic or afraid of pets.  And, be sensitive to the fact that a parade of strangers in your house may be upsetting for your pets.  It's best to get pets out of the house for showings.  Store kitty litter boxes, water and food bowls away.  Minimize odors - use a non-fragrant deodorizing spray like Febreze.