Why hasn't my home sold yet? I bet you hear or ask this over and over! The  topic of a Home's Appearance while on the market has been discussed, blogged, and integrated into Home Selling Proposals and pamphlets for years and years yet, it seems people just don't pay attention to this! It's worth mentioning again.

For example, when researching listings on the local MLS for clients, I have found plenty of photos in the listings that show so much clutter, how can anyone actually see the HOME? I have seen photos of kitchens with towels, cleaners, napkins and appliances - oh! Not to mention the refrigerators overtaken by magnets!

Now, I'm showing property to clients. When we step into a home (let's not mention tons of wallpaper and different colors of carpet throughout!) I see loads of pictures on table (of course the doily's underneath!); stacks and stacks of magazines; and then the walls and mantles? We have the butterflies, wall-mount candle-holders AND MORE PICTURES - a conglomeration of personal effects that become overwhelming!

Don't get me wrong - not EVERY home is like this. I've seen plenty of homes that are very well staged, most personal effects stored (hey, you don't have to take them down and pack them later!), and minimal decorations so the home can actually be seen!

Sellers, listen to your agents when they recommend minimizing clutter and personal effects. Keep the home clean and ready for a viewing at all times! If you are a smoker or have several pets, take the smoking outside and stay on top of the pet odor...clean, clean, clean! Use scented candles or discrete air fresheners. If at all possible, neutralize colors on walls and if the carpet is not a neutral color, offer a carpet allowance.

Open houses: put a loaf of bread, cookies, brownies in the oven while holding the house open. This gives a homey feeling to the home and works. A great friend and awesome peer of mine also suggests putting apples in the oven with cinnamon and sugar. After the open house you have a great treat waiting for you!

Any other suggestions? Please Post!