Home staging is all about first impressions. And when you’re trying to sell your home, a good first impression translates into extra dollars in your pocket. The surprising thing about home staging is that it doesn’t actually take a lot to make a big difference in the impression potential buyers get when they walk inside. Although you can hire a professional home stager, it’s not absolutely necessary. There are a couple of things you, the homeowner, can do on your own. With proper home staging, you should have no trouble adding several thousand dollars to your asking price. When potential buyers fall in love with a home, they are willing to pay more.

One task you can get started on without waiting for professional advice is painting. Put a fresh coat of paint on the interior walls of your home. But your color choice is important. Home buyers aren’t interested in your favorite color, they want to imagine what they will do with your place. So use light, neutral, non-offensive colors when you paint. Off-white, light blue, light green or similar colors are best. This may not be what you would choose. But buyers want to put their own personality into the home. At the very least, they want to know that the walls will be compatible with their own furniture. Neutral colors have a better chance at coordinating with their stuff. And the fresh paint will cover up any existing damage or imperfections, making your home seem fresh and new.

Want to know another home staging secret weapon? Plants. Adding a few green plants to every room will freshen the air and make your home seem more alive. A bouquet of fresh flowers on the dining table is also a nice touch. But don’t go overboard, just in case some prospective home buyers have allergies.