I'm ready to sell.. where is money well spent in getting listing ready??

As I've said a few times, I am the Buyer Specialist on "Vicki White Homes," and Vicki, the lead agent and amazing listing agent, was a professional home stager prior to getting into real estate.  This is something that has really set us apart and brought success to our team in getting our homes sold for more money in a quicker amount of time.  I feel this is a skill and it's not something that can be mastered by all.  Luckily, Vicki, Amanda and I are all visual and can see true potential in every home we step foot in.  Staging a home is the true difference in a home sitting and a home selling.  I'm not here to give you the statistics on our listings vs. other agents' listings; instead I thought I would give you a few tips using true statistics and show where true payoff can be establisted.  A lot of people think if they install a pool or completely renovate their kitchen they will get to ask an increase in sales price equal to what they spent but, in reality, that simply isn't true.  If you install a pool you MAY get 10-15% back of what you spent; and just because you installed granite and hardwoods doesn't mean the buyer will like the color and/or grade.  If you want true return on your investment, follow these simple, quick and inexpensive tips:

LIGHTEN & BRIGHTEN

     Typical Cost: $86-$110 - Increase in Sales Price: $768-$935 - Average Return: 769% 

CLEAN & DE-CLUTTER

     Typical Cost: $305-$339 - Increase in Sales Price: $2093-$2378 - Average Return: 594% 

FIX PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL (know that ANY buyer will request these post inspection)

     Typical Cost: $338-$381 - Increase in Sales Price: $922-$1208 - Average Return: 196% 

LANDSCAPE & TRIM

     Typical Cost: $432-$506  - Increase in Sales Price: $1594-$1839  - Average Return: 266% 

STAGING

     Typical Cost: $812-$1089 - Increase in Sales Price: $2275-$2841 - Average Return: 169% 

KITCHEN/BATH UPGRADES

     Typical Cost: $1546-$2120 - Increase in Sales Price: $3823-$4855 - Average Return: 138% 

REPAIR FLOORING

     Typical Cost: $1531-$1714 - Increase in Sales Price: $2267-$2589 - Average Return: 50% 

PAINT EXTERIOR WALLS

     Typical Cost: $2188-$2381 - Increase in Sales Price: $2907-$3233 - Average Return: 34% 

REPLACE CARPETING

     Typical Cost: $2602-$2765 - Increase in Sales Price: $3585-$3900 - Average Return: 39% 

(SOURCE: moneycentral.msn.com)