One of the great challenges to selling a home can be showing 
all of its space, decor and natural light potential.  For 
example, every home has crowded closets and dead space.  
Sellers should be aware that areas such as these are easy to 
spruce-up with a little elbow grease and old-fashioned innovation.  

Begin by evaluating your closet/storage space, determine which 
areas can cut-down in clutter.  Go through old clothes, shoes, 
etc., and get rid of anything that will not be used and in turn 
create more space.  Consider organizing shelves and other areas 
to make better use of your storage space, including your garage 
and basement.  Also, try to throw out or give away any old 
furniture that is no longer of use.  All of the discarded items 
can be given to Good Will, Salvation Army or even sold at a 
yard sale.  Although most sellers keep their homes clean and 
well-decorated, it can be difficult to convince a buyer of a 
home's potential when clutter is noticeable.  As real estate 
professionals, it's our responsibility to offer any tips that 
will expedite the sale and make the experience more enjoyable
for the seller.

Once you've eliminated the unwanted items and furniture, begin 
the 'renovation' process.  For non-storage spaces that could 
use a little more decor, consider adding a small bookshelf 
complemented with a cozy reading chair.  Always be sure you're 
filtering as much light into your property as possible.  Open or 
replace curtains.  For example, light from a window overlooking 
the backyard offers a room more color, a great view and the
illusion of more space.

Always maximize the potential of existing decor; wash old 
curtains, re-stain old wood casings, anything that refreshes 
and emphasizes all the potential of the space and decor of the 
home.

Prospective buyers are often more drawn to homes with features 
that they don't have, those with clutter-free closets, open 
sunny rooms, and cozy little corners.  To ensure you've realized 
all of the above characteristics the last step should be to 
bring in a friend and observe their reaction.  Make sure it's 
an honest friend, who will offer suggestions as well as notice 
the improvements.  Seeing your own home through someone else's 
eyes is a great way to make a home optimally attractive and 
more sellable to prospective buyers.

Be diligent in your efforts and be sure the renovations improve 
the aesthetic appeal of the home.  All the hard work will be 
worth the reward of a successful sale.