(This post brought to you by North Coast Financial Inc.)

Great home staging can make all the difference between a disappointing experience listing a house for sale and experiencing phenomenal success in today’s home market.

Whether you are selling your family residence to upgrade or need to make the most out of your investment property financing, learning to make a home attractive to buyers is well worth the time commitment and reasonable expenses incurred.

Take a look below for some areas you may want to focus on to make the most of your listing.

Exterior and Curb Appeal

In the real estate market, first impressions are incredibly important. Thankfully, proper landscaping can make a huge difference. Be sure to trim back overgrown trees and replace tired plants. If needed, invest in fresh sod.

Also consider whether it would pay to resurface a cracked driveway, add an off-street parking area, and repaint or replace fencing. Don’t forget to also consider the condition of house numbers and the mailbox. Some simple and inexpensive changes can make a big difference.

Make Sure Flooring is in Good Condition

Take a critical look at the flooring. Professionally cleaning, stretching, or replacing carpets may be necessary. Refinishing wood floors will also greatly improve the overall appeal of the house when potential buyers step through the door.

Upgrade the Kitchen

Since it is the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the best areas to invest in prior to selling a home. That said, be carefully to invest strategically since the sky is the limit when it comes to the amount of money that could go into a kitchen renovation. Smart money can be spent giving it a fantastic facelift by replacing hardware, painting cabinets, and updating lighting.

Renovate Bathrooms

Potential buyers are also attracted to homes with clean, comfortable, bathrooms. Consider replacing an old vanity, cleaning grout, updating hardware, and replacing an old toilet seat. You may also impress budget-conscious home buyers with new fixtures including eco-friendly taps and shower fittings that will conserve water.

Focus on Lighting

A dark, depressing atmosphere is likely to turn away potential buyers. Consider ways to make the most of available natural light and consider investing in new fixtures to give dark areas a light and airy atmosphere.

Maximize Storage

These days home buyers are likely to prefer homes with great storage areas. This is especially important if you’re trying to sell a small house. Great shelving can make even a small home extremely functional—and help buyers imagine how the home could be the perfect fit for their family.