The internet has changed the way people buy and sell homes and that has made how a home shows more important than ever.

First impressions have always been important and now with Youtube videos, 3d Videos Internet ads, Facebook, social media and multiple interior photos on websites; a buyer visits your home before stepping through the front door. The impression that those photos make are very important and that comes down to what is broadly known as staging.

From cleaning to styling, from fluffing to decluttering, to moving furniture to renting furniture staging can come in many different forms and levels. Professional stagers and real estate agents can provide you with a number of varied services and advice.

Sometimes it can overwhelm a homeowner when starting the process but some simple points can help de-stress the process.

I am going to mention only 10 points a few at a time that always have remained true with buyers and sellers through the years.

Curb Appeal

This is something you always hear but it is amazing how many of us neglect our front entrance. Buyers may do a drive by, you want a good impression. So, paint or stain the front steps, rail, and porches, paint the front door a colour that accents the home, replace old house numbers and mailbox. A planter of flowers or seasonal decoration is always nice. A new doormat is nice. It all says “welcome home” to a buyer and shows pride of ownership. It does not have to be elaborate – simple and crisp  makes the home look fresh.  If you have a front porch make it into a living space with a couple of comfortable chairs and a small table to put a drink or coffee cup on. Make sure the front yard is trimmed. Clean out eaves and get rid of spiderwebs that collect.