Thanks to KC’s ‘Home Whisperer’ Cynthia Black for this great (and easy to read) list of things to do when you’re ready to sell your home.

HOT: Wall paint in muted and soft colors.
NOT: Bold faux finishes and dated wallpaper.

HOT: A few personal photos in matching frames in built-in bookshelves.
NOT: Gallery walls…with many nail holes.

HOT: Fresh carpet.
NOT: Taking a wait-until-after-we-move-out approach.

HOT: Neutral, clean smell throughout the house.
NOT: Making buyers ask, “What are they trying to cover up with all of the Plug-Ins?”

HOT: A dining room with table and chairs.
NOT: A dining room being used as an office or toy room.

HOT: Storage space in the lower level.
NOT: Overflowing bedroom closets.

HOT: College alumni decals on a vehicle.
NOT: Revealing college affiliations at the front door and throughout the home.

HOT: Family pets that bring us joy.
NOT: Pet beds and litter boxes in bedrooms.

HOT: A checkmark by every item on the “honey-do” list.
NOT: Visible wear and tear when competing with newer listings.

HOT: An exercise area in the lower level.
NOT: Exercise equipment in the master bedroom or main-floor living spaces.

HOT: Buyers exclaiming how everything is clean and pretty.
NOT: Buyers muttering, “Didn’t they know we were coming?”

HOT: A properly Staged home that supports the home’s price by looking expensive and beautiful.
NOT: Leaving behind furniture not good enough for the new home, complete with dusty and dated accessories.

HomeStaging by Cynthia, Inc. in KCMO / www.HomeStagingByC.com