Here is a scenario that you may encounter when you sell your home. You make a listing appointment with a real estate agent who shows up with a detailed market analysis and a list of all the advantages of listing with his or her company. The agent then walks through your home with you, making suggestions about how you can present your home at its best.
The real estate agent's recommendations about cosmetic "fix-ups" make some sellers feel a little uncomfortable. They realize how long they have put off all of those "little" projects. If the suggestions about the cat box, spider webs, kitchen and bathroom cleanup, and removal of clutter make you feel a little defensive, remember that none of this is personal! Most sellers need a little coaching to make their homes show well. Providing suggestions for home staging is an important part of an agents job. The better your home looks while it's on the market, the more likely it is to sell quickly, and for top dollar.
I agree Jennifer wholeheartedly. I give all my sellers the same sheet I give to investors on the things it takes to prepare a home for sell. I just let them know that we have had great success with these items and they may want to look and see if they are in the budget.