Home Staging: Make Those Photos Count

More than 80 percent of U.S. buyers went online while house hunting, and they rated pictures as the most helpful tool in their search, according to a National Association of Realtors survey of buyers and sellers. The survey also found that 24 percent of homebuyers got their first look at their home online last year, up from only 2 percent in 1997.

Good photos, made better with home staging, are becoming more and more crucial. Surveys have shown that listings with inside and outside photos or video go to the top of the list. Minimal photos next. Poor photos next. Exterior only photo next. No photos last.

What does this mean for you? Learn to stage your home BEFORE taking those pictures! Learn more about home staging by buying 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought.

Exterior Home Staging Tip of the Day

Plant flowers near the front entrance. Experts say yellow promotes buying. Think marigolds!

To learn more about home staging, buy 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought.

Home Staging Advice From Julie Dana of The Home Stylist

Julie Dana of The Home Stylist has the following tip: Do not have any cleaning products visible. You want the buyer to think that the house cleans itself. You do not want to remind buyers that there will be work to do in this house, so put away laundry baskets and dish drainers as well!

To learn more tips from professional Julie Dana as well as many other professionals, buy 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought.

Home Staging Different For Moderate and Luxury Homes

I have a list of "don'ts" when discussing home upgrades for moderately priced homes:

1. Adding high-end appliances to a modest home.
2. Adding hand painted tiles in the bath or kitchen.
3. Adding a central vacuum.
4. Replacing windows with newer models.
5. Adding a swimming pool.

However, when you are dealing with luxury homes, people expect and are willing to pay for luxury. A swimming pool or a hot tub may be in order!

The moral of the story? Keep the buyer in mind when you get a house ready for sale.

To learn more about home staging, buy 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought.

Home Staging Advice From Gail Jackson of Weichert Realtors

Gail Jackson of Weichert Realtors explains that home staging does not need to be expensive: Paint is very inexpensive and gives you a big bang for your buck. Although a bit labor-intensive, painting is not expensive and gives your home a new, fresh, clean look.

To learn more tips from professional Gail Jackson as well as many other professionals, buy 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought.