How can you help make a positive first impression?

The correct staging of your home can go a long way toward achieving a successful sale at the highest price. Here are some tips:

• Enhance drive-up appeal by removing clutter, cleaning stains off the driveway and touching up the exterior paint where needed.

• A nicely trimmed and edged lawn always makes a good first impression.

• Remove dead and dying plants and consider adding color with hanging baskets or pots of flowers.

• Sparkling clean windows let the sun shine through.

• Give the carpets a good cleaning to remove stains and odors, or even recarpet if you feel it's appropriate.

• Cracked or peeled paint and smudges on walls are easy fixes that, once taken care of, can give the home a fresh, new look.

When it comes time to show the property, here are some suggestions that will help make the process go more smoothly.

• Maintain the home in ready-to-show condition with the beds made, clutter removed, dishes put away and so forth.  Then, you're always ready for a showing as soon as you get the phone call.

• Showcase your home as if you are receiving guests - turn on lights or open drapes, place flowers in vases, hang your best towels, light a fire in the fireplace if it's cold outside, and play soft background music.

• During a showing, try to step out for a cup of coffee or run a few errands.  The buyer will feel more relaxed if allowed to view your home without any distractions.

• Make sure your pets are confined to a safe and out-of-the-way place.

• In some cases, silence can be golden.  If you are present for the showing, it's best to reserve comments until the buyer has left your home.

• For safety purposes, it's wise to show the home to a buyer only if the agent working with them is present.  You should also put away your most valuable items such as jewelry and collectibles.