Here are some basic tips to keep in mind when choosing paint to spruce up your home before placing it on the market.

Paint will look darker on textured surface because of inherent shadows.

Lighter colors reflect more light so they show more flaws in the prep work.

Lighter colors reflect more heat so they last longer.

Enhance the effect of shadow by using light colors on projected elements and dark colors on inset panels.

Glossier paints last longer because they are harder and reflect a bit more light.

Flat paints hide flaws in the prep work but they do hold more dirt.

A high-contrast color scheme holds the eye at each detail, making the house appear smaller.

A low-contrast color scheme makes the house look bigger.

A fresh coat of paint on the front door is a wonderful welcome mat to a potential buyer.

Use oven cleaner to wipe away years of built up soot from the brick or stone surrounding your fireplace.

Other Staging Techniques:

Depersonalize the space by removing family photos, taking everything off the refrigerator, and stripping the kids' rooms of posters and baseball trophies (get a head-start on packing).

Clear high-traffic areas of excess furnishings to maximize feelings of space and comfort.

Highlight the key features in every room, such as fireplaces or French doors, by making sure they're not obscured by plants or furnishings.

Go ahead and haul off all the things you've been meaning to get rid of, especially behind the garage

Showmanship – Basically, cleanliness and neatness sell. Why try to tell a potential buyer how your home could look when you can show them? Open the windows to let in the maximum amount of light, have the carpets cleaned, take care of any odor problems from pets or smoking, and keep the yard maintained. Pay particular attention to the front door area, as this will be the first thing inspected while a buyer is waiting to enter your home. Keep your home in Move-In-Ready condition and inviting. You’re probably going to have to do these things anyway to help your home sell, so you’re ahead to take care of them for that initial surge of buyers.