I'm often asked for advice from sellers when they put their home on the market.  If a seller is serious about getting a home sold the best advice I have is Staging.  Your home needs to look like a display.  This is by far the most important thing you have control over next to price. 

Staging involves a change of mindset.  You need to think of how your home would look best to buyers. It includes decluttering, cleaning and arranging furniture to make the room appear larger.  This also includes removing personal pictures, eliminating extra furniture pieces and clearing off the refrigerator and counter.  Pack away any unnecessary items, you'll be packing them to move anyway. 

Staged homes sell faster and for more money.  When you are competing with other homes to sell, you need to be able to stand out.  In today's real estate market you MUST take this step. Staging is your step up on the competition.