If you drive down your block, how many "for sale" signs do you see? With today's soft housing market, it might be quite a few. If you're considering putting your home on the market, you'll need to think about how you can make it stand out from other homes for sale. That's where staging comes into play.

Simple Staging Tips
Staging your home creates a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to buyers ­– and may just net you a quicker sale. It involves making the most out of each room in your home, playing up its strengths and downplaying any weaknesses. While you can hire a professional stager, you can also stage yourself by following a few simple tips.

You only get one chance to make a first impression. Play up your curb appeal with a well manicured lawn and freshly planted flowers. If your home's exterior looks a little worse for the wear, try power washing the walls and touching up any peeling paint.

Paint interior walls a light, neutral color. Remove any clutter and pack away personal items like photographs. This will help a buyer see him or herself living in your home.

Arrange your furniture to maximize the space in your home. If there's too much furniture in a room, it will look small, so store extra items.

Open all the blinds to let in as much light as possible. Clean every crevice of your home, and make sure that it smells its best.

The Next Step
By staging your home, you'll increase your chances of seeing a "sold" sign in your front lawn in no time. Once you're in the market for a new home, Direct Federal Credit Union can help you find the right mortgage. Call us at 781.455.6500 to speak to a mortgage specialist today!