How to Stage Your Home for a Quick Sale

In a few months time, God and mortgage companies willing, I will become a first-time homebuyer. I have viewed dozens of homes; I have been enticed by winding walkways and stone fireplaces, and have calculated how many coats of paint would be needed to cover 700 square feet of purple living room wall. From a buyer's perspective, these are my tips for decorating a home for sale:

1. Create curb appeal with easy upkeep

Not all buyers have a green thumb, or have time to maintain elaborate landscaping. Check with your local nursery to find plants that thrive in your particular climate, and are hardy enough to withstand a sometimes-forgetful homeowner.

2. Create a beautiful entryway

If your home does not have a separate entrance hall, you can make one by using a screen or shelving unit as a partition. Hang some decorative hooks for hats and coats, and place a small bench or chest for dropping mail and schoolbooks. A mirror mounted on the wall provides a place for last minute grooming on the way out the door.

3. Address walls and flooring

Refinish hardwood and replace stained or worn carpet. With paint color, be conservative - but conservative does not mean all white! Wallpaper should be removed; pattern is usually too particular to a specific taste. Also, a fresh coat of paint will give your cabinets an inexpensive update.

4. Reconsider the arrangement of furniture

Buyers will take a cue from you when they place their own. Seating should be configured for conversation, so arrange couches and chairs together rather than pushed up against the wall.

5. Decide what should be displayed

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to remove all traces of your personality. Keep a few family photographs on a table, or make a dramatic statement by making black and white copies of some favorite photos. Add life to rooms with plants and fresh flowers, and keep knickknacks to a bare minimum. Closets also count as a display area: invest in a high quality built-in closet organizer in the master bedroom and keep your clothes and shoes neat within it.

6. Create outdoor living

Clean up any debris and clutter from a patio, deck, or balcony, then give the space a facelift with a coat of paint or new railing. Set out a table and chairs, and decorate with indoor/outdoor fabric. If you create a beautiful outdoor area, your buyer will certainly envision herself spending many restful evenings there.

Remember, the goal of decorating your home for a quick sale is not to remove all elements of yourself, but rather to show people how to live in your home. By decorating in a clean, simple style, you can create an impression of a peaceful life; by displaying art and family photos, you can create an impression of a life of joy and memories. Selling a home can be a difficult process, but by being conscious and thoughtful in your interior design, you will be successful.