WHAT SHOULD SELLERS NEVER HAVE ON DISPLAY?

-- Personal photos- sellers have grown accustomed to their mantel filled with happy family photos of their children at all ages, but these should all be put away before showing the home. Buyers need to be able to visualize themselves living in that home, need to be able to feel it could be THEIR pictures on that mantel.

-- Religious artifacts – very personal and may not appeal to everyone. These can prevent buyers from feeling this home is right for them.

-- Dirty or smelly carpeting - if you have wall-to-wall carpeting that is clearly staying after the sale, have your carpets professionally cleaned when you list.

-- Pets – we all love our own pets but many buyers might be afraid of your pets and/or worry about accidents that have seeped into wood floors. Take Fido or Kitty with you when you step away from the house for showings.

-- Dirt and obvious disrepair anywhere in the house – a well-maintained and clean home or apartment is not only visually appealing but bespeaks pride of ownership and confidence that everything will be found to be in good condition.

-- Front door disrepair – it’s always true that first impressions count. Give that door and molding a fresh coat of paint and make sure the front porch and steps are sparkling clean.

-- Clutter – not only do cluttered rooms look smaller but they convey lack of cleanliness and the (usually correct) suspicion that lots of things are in disrepair in the home.

-- Messy and overstuffed closets – it’s a good idea to hire an organizing specialist to pare down what’s in your closets and make everything store-shelf tidy. Buyers always open closet doors – there’s no point in hoping that they won’t.