Get Your House Ready for its Close-Up

Make a good impression on potential buyers with these tips for staging your house and preparing for a sell.
Kitchen With Matching Appliances

Coordinated Kitchen

The experts agree, a well-coordinated kitchen with matching appliances is essential when selling your home, as seen on HGTV's Bang for Your Buck.

From: Bang for Your Buck

By: Tammy Stoner

First impressions can often decide whether someone wants to see more of your act, or gong you before the show even starts. To ensure a Chuck Barris "Wow!" instead of a gong of rejection, run through this checklist before your open house:

  • Plant new flowers, especially up the walkway to your home.
  • Clear off your front porch.
  • Burn potpourri (or bake cookies in the morning, then leave them out for your visitors).
  • Clean! Clean! Clean! (Yes, even the baseboards.).
  • Place fresh flowers on the dining room table.
  • Remove all clutter from the house.
  • Leave every light on and every door open.
  • Hide the picture of Uncle Dave in his Speedo.
  • If you have a Realtor, leave the house while buyers are looking at it.
  • If you are representing yourself, sell the house and the neighborhood, not your astounding card tricks (even the one you filmed for YouTube).

Next Up

5 Types of Neighbors and How to Handle Them

You may love your house, but getting stuck with bad neighbors may have you thinking about putting up a for-sale sign. Here are some tips on dealing with rude, sloppy or nosy neighbors, and even those mean ones with spite houses.

How to Quickly Sell Your Home When Threatened With Foreclosure

Get tips and advice on how to sell your home fast.

How to Deal With Your Lender When Facing Foreclosure

In the foreclosure world, "workout" has nothing to do with the elliptical trainer. It's about cutting a deal with your lender to stop the foreclosure process.

Sellers: What to Do When You Can't Find a Home Before Yours Sells

If you sold your house before you've found new digs, don't worry: You have options.

How to Make the Most of Your Open House

Set your house apart with these simple tips.

Take Your Open House to the Next Level

Up the ante on the traditional way of showcasing your home.

The Buyer's Field Guide to the Open House

Arm yourself with these expert tips and advice when braving the Sunday open house. Learn more on HGTV.com.

Real Estate Survival Guide: Seller's Checklist

Refer to this 10-step checklist to get you through the home-selling process.

Attract Buyers With an Inviting Atmosphere

Warm up your home's appeal during cold-weather months.

Adapt Your Home to Its Selling Season

Play up your home's amenities for the season in which you choose to sell.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.