Preparing a home for sale can be a lot of work. Learning what investment in time, energy and possibly money will pay off can help you decide where to focus and how to begin.

In any economy, a person selling their home wants to be able to complete a sell as quickly as possible and get a high return on their investment. Preparing your home to go on the market can be an overwhelming proposition for many people. Statistics show that a well-staged home will sell 30-50% faster than its counterparts AND that potential buyers make their decisions to purchase your home or not within the first 30 seconds upon entering it. That makes the first impression the key to selling your home fast and for top dollar.

Remember that potential buyers will be visiting your home using all five of their senses:

• Sight: Open the blinds and let in the natural light. Declutter, clear countertops, and consider keeping your pet outside of your home for the day.
• Smell: Something on the stove or baking in the oven smells like home. Or fresh flowers or a burning candle can offer the ambiance you're looking for.
• Taste: This will come typically from good or bad fragrances in your home. These sense are connected--always!
• Hearing: Turn off the TV and computers and other sound-makers. Some quiet, easy-listening music in the background instead will set the stage for a sell!
• Touch: Offer a soft, comfortable couch or chair and make sure the room temperature is comfortable

There is a "sixth" sense to consider, also. That is the sense of "space." Removing items in any space will make it appear and feel larger. Allow your guests to enter a small room first and wait outside the door so it doesn't feel crowded. Leave space in your closets, leaves out of the table--whatever gives the sense of more room!

You will learn from this show Ten Tips that can help you prepare for this life-changing event! For more information on home staging and organization, be sure to visit Laura's blog at www.harmonywithin.com.