Staging
 You've heard about it.  You watch TV shows about it. But does it really work? 
Regardless of the economy or the market when you sell your house it's a beauty contest.  Even in our current real estate market experienced, professional agents are selling houses if they are properly staged.  That means different things to each homeowner.  Some houses will be need reinforcing beams in the basement.  Others may need drywall and paint in the garage.  Stills others may just need a little paint and carpet.  The nicest houses sell first.  Everyone wants the best price or the HUD repo but when it comes to signing an offer to purchase the house that shows the best gets the nod.  Oh, yes we're working harder and have had to step up the marketing but homeowners have to do more too.  Where before all it would take was a good cleaning and repairing broken stuff, today's sellers have to stage their home.  That could mean a weekend or two and a couple hundred bucks, or hiring some help and investing a couple thousand.  
 A couple weeks ago a homeowner asked me to come over and suggest some staging to prepare to sell.  She just called me back and said "after we did everything you suggested we fell in love with the house all over again."  They're not selling. DRAT!  I did too good of a job again!
 Here's an idea.  Pretend you are selling and stage your house to sell. Maybe you'll fall in love with your house all over again...and if not, well I'm just a call away.