You should ask the stager what you should keep and what should be moved out before you start showing the home. Get recommendations for furniture and artwork arrangement. The way you live in your house is not necessarily the best way to show it off to prospective buyers.

Example: Many homeowners place their sofa across from the living room fireplace, which can mean that a buyer is greeted by the back of the sofa when they walk into the room. It stops them in their tracks. If the sofa is moved to one side and two chairs are placed opposite the sofa, the room will appear more open and the traffic flow won't be obstructed.

Sometimes the size of your furniture isn't right for the showing of your home. Sometimes prospective buyers are looking for specific room sizes. Please ensure that your furniture provides more of a spacious room effect rather than your personal room arrangement.

Today's buyers have a lot to think about when they buy a home. Are they buying at the right price and right time? Will the house work for the long term? Can they qualify for and afford the financing they need? It helps the process along if you can create an ambiance that enables a buyer to fall in love on the first visit.