These tips will get you started on turning your house into a “show home”.  Even if you’re not moving, you will find these tips also make your home more relaxing and enjoyable to live in.

1. Walls:

Neutral colors are going to be best, although it does not have to be light beige. For the fall season, try painting your walls a rich shade of caramel or cream that’s neutral yet warm and inviting. Add pops of color with accessories in deep reds and oranges.

2. Art:

If you are unsure how high the art should be hung use this rule as a guild: 60 inches from the floor to the center of the art. In an occupied home if there is no decent art at all, take it out! It is better having empty walls than unappealing art.

3. Formal Rooms:

To achieve a more formal atmosphere you need balance. Think in even numbers. For example: in the master bedroom use identical lamps on each night table. One side should mirror the other.

4. Casual Rooms:

For more of a casual look think in odd numbers. Three pieces on a coffee table – greenery (tall), clock (medium), and candle (short).

5. Fabrics:

Solid neutral colors are best in sofas, loveseats, and chairs. Strong fabric patterns (especially floral prints) will get you into trouble and take the buyer away from the overall feeling of the room. However, a pop of color or a print is perfectly acceptable in accent pillows.

6. Spacing:

Three to four feet around everything! For instance, if you do not have enough room between a dining table and the barstools – take the barstools out. It is much better to show space than a crowded room.

7. Use Glass:

A glass table makes the room look larger. I love using glass, it shows proper size.

8. Shelves:

Do not fill every nook and cranny. It’s okay to have empty shelves. To avoid a cluttered look, use neutral colors. You can go as far as color coordinating books and DVDs. Start with dark at the bottom and working your way to lighter colors at the top.

9. Rugs:

Unless you need to define the space or to add needed color, take out all rugs. Buyers want to see the condition of the carpets or hardwood floors. Doubts regarding the condition of the floors can cost you an offer. In addition, many people have a phobia of bathmats for their lack of cleanliness. It’s best to remove them as well.

10. Closets:

Show buyers that there is a lot of room in your closets by removing 50% of what is currently there, add high wattage lighting to make the space look bigger, get “stuff” of the closet floor, organize clothes by type and color  and use matching hangers.

11. Brass fixtures:

Replace brass faucets and spray paint brass shower door frames. Chrome, bronze, black, anything but brass.

12. Lighting:

Replace your dated lighting (no brass here either!). It is the number-one thing you can do to update your home. The eye goes to light first. Many home improvement stores have great fixtures that are economical and easy to install.

13. Fresh Flowers:

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have fresh flowers throughout your home. Even a daisy in a bud vase brightens a bathroom counter. Ask your florist which blooms last a week. You can also use potted flowering plants that are in season for a low-cost solution.

14. Dated Countertops:

There are companies that come in and spray a coating over the old outdated laminate countertops. Very economical and we recommend them highly.

15. Curb appeal:

Landscaping is nice, but not in everyone’s budget. At minimum, lawns should be freshly mowed, leaves raked, or snow shoveled. Consider a hanging or potted plant for the entrance. Sweep the porch, deck and all walk ways and ensure garbage and recycling are tucked neatly away from the front of the house. Scrub your front door, porch, outside railings and steps. This is cheaper than repainting and makes a world of difference. Once the outside entrance is clean, decide if the paint really needs a touch up.