1. Focus most on the most visible areas.

Be sure to put the majority of your energy into the high-profile areas: the foyer, kitchen, living room, master bedroom, and family room.

2. Clear out closets and clutter.

Create the impression that your home is move-in ready by packing up toys, linens, personal collections and small kitchen appliances to store offsite. A great way to store your belongings is in a Movable Storage Container. Consider PODS Atlanta. They will bring the storage container to your home, take it to storage if necessary, and then bring it to your new home for you.

3. Make functional repairs.

Fix dripping faucets, sticking doors, and broken fences.

4. Pass the “white glove” test.

Hire a professional service to clean the home, including the carpets and the windows.

5. Clean up the yard.

Trim trees, prune shrubs, and make sure the lawn is mowed and watered regularly. In summer, turn on the sprinklers for five minutes, 30 minutes before the open house. It makes the lawn and driveway sparkle.

6. Let the light shine.

Focus on the lighting, it could make all the difference. Use as much natural light as possible. Add extra lamps in dark rooms or corners.

7. Leave a fresh scent.

Before an open house or a showing, refrain from cooking anything that leaves a distinctive odor, such as fish, garlic, or cabbage. Open the windows and simmer a pot of water with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for about 30 minutes.

8. Set the stage.

Arrange fresh or silk flowers throughout the home. Set the dining room table with attractive linens, dishes, and stemware. Light a fire in the fireplace in fall and winter.

9. De-personalize the home.

Help your potential buyer’s see themselves in your home by removing photos, mementos, and dated items.

10. Bring in another pair of eyes.

Even if it’s not a professional stylist, an objective person will see problems you may have missed.