Many home buyers will search online before contacting anyone. When trying to attract a potential buyer you want your home to stand out in this tightening market.

The only thing worse than NO picture is having a BAD picture listed. Remember... you never have a second chance to make a first impression and a picture is worth a thousand words?

Keep this in mind when having your home or listing photographed for the MLS and before posting it online.

Tips to remember before and during the photo shoot.

Curb appeal. This is often the first photo a potential buyer will view. If the home was listed during the winter months and not sold, update the picture to reflect the current season. If a buyer sees snow in the landscape, they immediately know the listing is old and wonder why. The Kitchen. This is an extremely important room to everyone. For the photos sake...remove the magnets and children's artwork from the refrigerator! Also, hide the trash bin from sight. Nobody wants to look at the garbage, it is not attractive and leads to the conclusion that the space is small.

The Bedrooms. No matter the number of bedrooms in your property, you may want to consider neutralizing each one. A fresh coat of paint is a simple and affordable solution. Change that pink or blue child's room to a boring tan or taupe. It will immediately attract a larger audience of buyers. If you have wallpaper-remove it quick!

The Bath. Try to create a spa-like environment. This can be accomplished by placing towels with matching candles on the counter tops. Use a neutral palette and match the shower curtain. Remove all hygiene products!

Living and Family Rooms. First it is important to remove any unnecessary furniture and personal collections to make the space appear as large as possible. Hide all VHS tapes, DVD movies and audio accessories. Potential buyers do not care about your extensive collections. They want to visualize their own possessions in these rooms.

Laundry Room. For God's sake...hide the dirty laundry! Not only is this a reflection of your housekeeping skills but buyers will be turned-off to your home. Nobody wants to look at your dirty underwear. You do NOT want to leave that visual in a buyers mind!

Home staging is all about setting the "stage" for your property to put it in it's best light. Whether you are an agent or home seller, following the room by room tips will help you accomplish just that!

Julie Rieman is an accomplished instructor in the arts faux painting and interior redesign. She offers two and four day classroom or online interior redesign training. If you live in the Twin Cities area, you can invite Julie into your home for a personalized consultation.

For more information about any of her decorating services and training opportunities please visit: http://www.allaboutredesign.com http://www.allaboutwalls.net