When trying to sell your home, it is important to remember to prepare it so it is looking its absolute best for showing potential buyers. This process is known as "staging". Not only will staging help you sell your home faster, but it will also make sure that you sell it at the best market price. Staging is especially important to condominium owners, because it can make even the smallest of condos seem more spacious. Some staging tips are quick and inexpensive fixes, while some will requite more time and money. Following all or some of the staging guidelines will help you sell your condo in the most timely and lucrative manner.

The first step in the staging process involves giving your condo a little (or a big) makeover. This can be one of the most time consuming and expensive parts of staging, but it is also one of the most important and will likely pay for itself in the end. The typical condo makeover includes painting and fixing anything that needs repairing. The key with picking paint colors is to think neutral. Even if your walls were freshly painted with your favorite hue of burgundy within the last year, you have to keep in mind that not everyone is going to like that. It is hard for new owners to visualize their taste in color on the walls, so keep the paint colors on the white/ivory/tan side of the color spectrum. This way, a potential buyer can see the walls as their fresh palette on which they can impose their own style. When it comes to making repairs, make sure to fix both the obvious and not-so-obvious. Replacing tiles and filling holes in the walls are givens, but going the extra inch to repair more obscure, such as unhinged cabinets and leaky faucets will pay off in the end.

The next steps in staging are quicker fixes, but they still make a world of difference. A step, especially important in condos, is rearranging and removing furniture to create the illusion of a lot of space. First, clear out any excess furniture. Grandfather clocks, bookshelves, chests and armoires may be some of your favorite pieces, but they also take up a lot of space. So keep only the furniture that is necessary for a home. Buyers won't notice if your oversized chair is missing, but they will notice if you have no dining room table. Aside from removing furniture, other clutter should also be stored away. Keep kitchen counters empty. Even the things you use-coffee makers, toasters, blenders-should be kept out of sight to create the illusion of more counter space. Doing small things around the home can do wonders. Place new, fluffy hand and decorative towels in bathrooms. Remove all rugs and throw pillows and blankets. Make closets appear more spacious by removing some of the clothing. It is also vital that you remove all personal items. Think back to the rule of paint colors: you have to keep it neutral. It is hard for buyers to visualize the condo as their own when your family photo is hanging in the entryway. Take down photos, refrigerator magnets and anything else that is personalized. Also remember that first impressions do make a difference. The outside of your home is the first thing that people will see, so keep that in mind. Make sure your lawn is mowed and weed-free. Plant flowers, paint the front door and display a welcome mat.

The final stage of staging should be done right before the condo is being shown. They are the simple touches that can either make or break a sale. Cleanliness is key. A dirty house is one of the first things to deter potential buyers. Go above and beyond the typical cleaning duties like vacuuming and making the beds. Polish baseboards, clean windowsills and wipe down walls so they are smudge-free. On the actual day of showing, open up curtains and windows. Letting in as much light and fresh air as possible will make rooms appear larger and unstuffy. It is also encouraged to light a candle with a comfort scent, like vanilla or sugar cookie. These smells will make viewers feel right at home. If it works with your real estate agent, leave the house before the condo shows. If you have to be home, send children and pets to stay with friends or family, as they can be negative distractions to viewers.

Though staging your condo may seem like a lot of work, it is well worth it in the end. Just make sure to start the process early so you don't end up stressing at the last minute. Along with following all of the aforementioned tips, ask yourself this question: "If I were buying a condo, what would I want to see?" If you keep this in mind, you'll be sure to find a buyer for your condo.

About the Author: Brett Meade is a Tacoma real estate specialist for RE/MAX Metro Realty. Lately, his focus has been on Tacoma foreclosures.