If you are like my husband and I, we are in the midst of getting ready for the holidays and preparing for friends and family who will be visiting. It always spurs us on to fix up the house and consider purchasing a few pieces of furniture. If you plan your purchases wisely, when it comes time to resell your home, you will be in good shape. One of the issues that homeowners have when trying to prepare their homes for the market is the type of furniture they have and how much of it. Staging a home to look it’s absolute best has certainly become critical in the housing market. Here are some tips to consider if you are purchasing new items for your home that will save you money and make home staging easier in the future:

• Buy smaller. A sofa or love seat is much easier to stage in a conversational group with two chairs than a big sectional.

• Buy solid colors. Any solid color upholstery is easier to stage than a print. If you want to add pattern – do so with throw pillows.

• Avoid “sets of furniture”. Odd collections and groupings can create a more sophisticated style and “eclectic” look.

• Avoid country furnishings. A country piece here or there is fine – but don’t over do, making it look too “cute”. • In bedrooms it’s always good to highlight a bed with attractive bedspreads, duvets, and pillows. You can create a very high-end look if you buy good quality. If the bed is large – use a light colored spread. Don’t over crowd the room, but if it is large enough, create a sitting area for two people.

• Don’t line every wall with furniture. It will make the rooms appear smaller.

• Be sure to add furniture and decorating touches to your outside living areas. These have become extensions of living space, and they are enticing to future buyers. Most of all…have fun! The beautiful environment your family can enjoy now will make it more ready to show if you decide to sell it in the future.

Most of all…have fun!  The beautiful environment your family can enjoy now will make it more ready to show if you decide to sell it in the future.