Tips on preparing your home to sell because "you never get a second chance to make a first impression"

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Selling your home can be stressful, but many have cut the time their house is on the market by making some easy changes that potential buyers will notice.

"It's very important when you sell a home -- you never get a second chance to make a first impression," said Coldwell Banker Realtor Cindy Schaffer.

First look at your walls. Bold colors in the living room, dining room, or kitchen are often an instant turn-off to buyers.

"You can really neutralize the color so it appeals to a wider array of buyers. Also, if you choose the right paint color and the right tone it can actually brighten a room," said Everything Fitz Home Staging and ReDesign Owner Nikki Fitzgibbon.

You can give the room an even brighter look by getting rid of heavy drapes over the windows and updating light fixtures.

"Natural light and brightness sells homes and the last thing you want to do is cover up any of that natural light," said Fitzgibbon.

Also de-clutter and get rid of family photos.

"You want buyers to be able to come in and to invision their own furniture and their own lifestyle in the house," said Fitzgibbon.

Accessorize with new pillows and paintings and move around furniture so it fits the room it's in.

"I shop in the homeowners' house first -- so there are a lot of chairs, tables, pictures, or lighting that I can relocate to different rooms to really showcase the different assets of each room," said Fitzgibbon.

A few little changes can make s dramatic difference in the eyes of a buyer.

For more tips on selling your home, CLICK HERE.