Staging your home for sale is all about accentuating highlights without drawing attention to negatives or low lights.

Open up all window coverings to take advantage of natural lighting. A bright home is a cheery home, and natural sun light enhances the positive atmosphere of your great indoors. One caveat: if you generally leave a set of blinds closed because you don’t like the view a window provides on the rusty water tower, or your neighbor’s obnoxious choice of exterior paint, go ahead and leave those closed. No sense bringing extra attention where none is needed.

As far as lighting goes, turn on all interior lights for the same reason. Just keep the television off! We want potential buyers looking at your home not at reruns of American Idol. Use spot lights or floor lamps for particularly dim corners, nooks and crannies.

If the season is appropriate light a fire in the fireplace. Be sure the fire is properly screened for safety, and your fireplace is functioning correctly. The warmth and glow of a fire in the hearth is a wonderful way to help potential buyers picture themselves living in your home.

Check out our Seller’s Resource Page for great tips on everything from “Making Your Home Shine” to “Hiring a Real Estate Agent.”