Are you thinking about moving to Franklin? A large city near Nashville and a major tourist destination, this city has gorgeous homes and rich history. Check out our comprehensive guide to Franklin below:

Franklin Lifestyle

If you’re considering Franklin as your next place of residence, you won’t be disappointed! Franklin has a special mix of rich history and new growth in the city. It is only 22 miles from downtown Nashville, making it an attractive place for both young professionals and families to live. 

Although one of the fastest growing and tourist attracting areas in the Nashville region, you will find an engaged and friendly community. The Cool Springs area of Franklin is great for shopping, dining, and is the hub for many businesses in the area. Not to mention the incredible festivals and parades that take place annually! Franklin has everything you want in an area to call home. 

Weather in Franklin

Franklin is a great place to live if you like relatively mild seasons. The summers are hot and muggy with an average temperature of 81°F and the winters are quite cold and wet with an average temperature of 31°F. You can expect partly cloudy skies all year round as well. 

Franklin Communities

The neighborhoods in Franklin have quality schools, an incredible downtown, and southern hospitality. You will find a variety of home styles in Franklin, including townhouses, suburban subdivisions, luxury mansions, and charming historic cottages. Some notable areas to explore homes in are Cool Springs, Ashton Park, Downtown Franklin (home to some gorgeous brownstones!), Leiper’s Fork, and Tap Root Hills.  

School Districts in Franklin 

Franklin is home to several highly rated schools, including Moore Elementary School, Franklin High School, Fred J Page Middle School, Oak View Elementary School, Grassland Middle School, Middle College High School, and Hunters Bend Elementary School — no name just a few! 

Top Restaurants in Franklin

1. 55 South: If you’re looking for some great southern comfort food and an unforgettable dining experience, check out 55 South.
   
   
2. Ground Restaurant: Ground Restaurant has a wide array of dishes made with the freshest ingredients, from burgers to baked potatoes to salads. 
   
   
3. Tupelo Honey: Experience the sweet revival of Southern food and traditions at Tupelo Honey. We are sure that the food will speak for itself.
   
   
4. Party Fowl: You can’t come to the Nashville area and not try some Nashville Hot Chicken! Party Fowl is a unique experience where you can try their hot chicken with a local beer or a boozy slushy.
   
   
5. 1892 Leiper’s Fork: Enjoy this quaint country restaurant with delicious food like smoked brisket hash and fresh sauteed vegetables from the garden.
   
   
6. Mojo’s Tacos: Mojo’s Tacos is a fast-casual, quick-serve restaurant with delicious food options. They are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week!
   
   
7. Red Pony Restaurant: Owned and operated by their phenomenal Chef Jason McConnell, Red Pony Restaurant hopes to bring an elegant dining experience to its diners. Their menu is unbelievable!
   
   
8. Puckett’s: Looking for a casual eatery to enjoy on a Friday night? Puckett’s is a great option. They host live, local music and serve Southern staples.
   
   
9. Hogwood BBQ: Hogwood BBQ is striving to provide incredible barbecue with the fire that gives it soul. You can expect to find delicious barbecue and fantastic customer service.
   
   
10. Vui’s Kitchen: This delicious Vietnamese restaurant has fresh Vietnamese favorites and an authentic community.

Top Activities in Franklin

1. Carnton Plantation: Check out this historic home that played a big role in the Battle of Franklin! They offer daily guided tours that are as long as one hour and visitors typically spend 30-45 minutes.
   
   
2. Carter House: Another historic home that played a part in the Battle of Franklin is the Carter House. Only 2 miles from the Carnton Plantation, one could easily plan on touring both locations in one afternoon. 
   
   
3. Annual Festivals & Parades: One of the biggest tourist attractions in Franklin is its annual festivals and parades. You can look forward to a number of them each year, including the Fourth of July parade, Dickens of a Christmas, Veterans Day Parade, and Main Street Festival.
   
   
4. Downtown Franklin: Downtown Franklin is a one-of-a-kind experience full of history, shopping, dining, and community activities. You don’t want to miss Downtown Franklin if you’re in the area!
   
   
5. Lotz House Museum: A special treat in Franklin, the Lotz House Museum honors this two-story frame house that was the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin. Add it to your list of tours to take in Franklin! 
   
   
6. Franklin Farmers Market: Who doesn’t love a good farmers market on a Saturday morning? The Franklin Farmers Market is no exception!
   
   
7. Leiper’s Fork Distillery: Get a taste of authentic, handcrafted, small batch Tennessee whiskey at Leiper’s Fork Distillery! They’re on a mission to produce incredible whiskey using long-term authenticity and age-old traditions.
   
   
8. Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge: This recreational road spans across 444 miles and three states. Plan a visit to the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge for some incredible nature views!
   
   
9. Masters & Makers Trail: This trail winds through the Williamson County countryside. Along the trail you can meet with the masters of making wine and spirits in the area’s winery and distilleries.
   
   
10. Winstead Hill Park: History buffs will also enjoy visiting Winstead Hill, a significant property in the Second Battle of Franklin. 

Parks in Franklin

1. Aspen Grove Park: This park is located in Cool Springs and features a half-mile of paved trail that loops around the park, including Spencer Creek. Enjoy the pavilion with its built-in barbecue pit on a summer evening, which is also available for reservation.
   
   
2. Bicentennial Park: This park has a greenway that travels through town and ends at the Franklin Recreation center. It also features an overlook of the Harpeth River, making this park a popular spot for fishing, exercising, and enjoying nature. 
   
   
3. Carter’s Hill Park: This small one-acre park acts as a monument for the Assault on the Cotton Gin that happened during the Battle of Franklin. 
   
   
4. Collins Farm: This historic park is 3 acres of lovely green pastures and near the Eastern Flank Battle Park and Carnton Plantation. 
   
   
5. Del Rio Park: This small neighborhood park includes a playground, gazebo, and picnic table with a grill. Perfect for families with small children!  
   
   
6. Dry Branch Storm Water Basin: This large, rustic park has natural walking paths and plenty of opportunities for bird watching. It features native trees and foliage that make it beautiful! 
   
   
7. Eastern Flank Battlefield Park: Once the site of the Battle of Franklin, this park is an impressive 110 acres of trees, streams, orchards, event spaces, and natural spaces. 
   
   
8. Fieldstone Park: This park is a softball complex that features four softball fields, a concession stand, two picnic pavilions, and a playground area. Adult softball programs are coordinated by the Williamson County Parks & Recreation Department.
   
   
9. Fort Granger: This park includes a walking trail that leads to an overlook of the south part of Franklin and features trenches along the perimeter dug by Civil War troops.
   
   
10. The Park at Harlinsdale Farm: This park was originally Franklin’s most famous farm associated with the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and home to its prize stallion, the Midnight Sun. Its owners, the Harlin Family, sold the farm to the City of Franklin to be developed into a passive park. With that, all park activities are limited to passive activities like walking and picnicking.
    
    
11. Jim Warren Park: This park is home to the Franklin Baseball Club and Franklin Cowboys youth organizations. This park has many amenities, but some notable ones are 12 baseball fields, 4 football fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a pond, walking trails, and a large pavilion available for reservation. 
    
    
12. Liberty Park: This park has baseball fields, concession stands, and will eventually have tennis courts, pavilions, a skate park, hiking and biking trails, and a covered amphitheater.
    
    
13. Pinkerton Park: Arguably the most popular park in Franklin, Pinkerton Park spans across 34 acres with three pavilions, a walking trail that is one mile long, and two playgrounds.
    
    
14. Winstead Hill: Located south of downtown Franklin, this large park has a walking trail and plenty of natural spaces. It also features a Civil War monument and a historic battle site.

Before you begin the home buying process, it can be quite beneficial to consider getting pre-approved for a loan. Not only does it verify that you as a buyer have the financial means to complete a home purchase, but you’ll also know how much you’ll be able to borrow when it’s time to get a loan. 

It also proves your credibility as a buyer to any home sellers you work with. So contrary to what many think, loan pre approval is not just to the agent’s benefit.

Ready to learn more about loan pre approvals? Find out everything you want to know below:  

What is Loan Pre Approval?

First, let’s define what a loan pre approval is. A loan pre approval is a statement from a lender who looks at your finances and determines the amount of money they will allow you to borrow for a home loan. They base this on your financial situation, such as your income, debt, assets, and credit history. 

How Do I Get Pre Approved for a Loan? 

To get preapproved for a loan, you will need to provide several important documents to your lender, as well as a credit check. 

Some of the documents you can prepare are:

• Recent pay stubs
• Federal income tax returns, including W-2’s (from the last 2 years) 
• Recent bank statements 
• Any investment account statements 
• Identity documentation (driver’s license, passport, etc.) 

A credit check is generally requested by a lender as well, so be prepared that will impact your credit score. Read more about the importance of credit scores first, and then consider obtaining a free copy from each of the major credit bureaus. That can be done once every year. You can get the report at www.annualcreditreport.com.

Keep in mind, you generally need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for a mortgage. If your score is lower than that, there are programs you can consider, like FHA loans.   

Loan Pre Approval or Loan Prequalification? 

It’s important to understand the difference between pre approval and prequalification. 

Pre-qualifications often include just a soft credit inquiry, whereas pre approvals include a full credit check as noted above. Lenders will rely on your representation of your financial situation, whereas with pre approvals, they will require documentation. 

Pre-qualifications are not taken as seriously by real estate agents or sellers, making a pre approval much more advantageous in the home buying process. 

Although pre approvals are more intense, they are supported by data and accepted as proof of your ability to afford the home you are interested in. 

Time Estimate to Receive a Loan Pre Approval

Generally, it will take a few days to receive a mortgage pre approval. However, there is a range depending on several factors. For example, it can take several weeks to receive a pre approval letter if you have to wait for an income audit. But it is possible to receive a pre approval within one business day if you are well organized and your credit is strong.

The Value of Loan Pre Approval

There are so many benefits of getting pre-approved for a loan before beginning the home buying process. Some of the greatest benefits are outlined below:  

1. Pre approval confirms to sellers that you’re serious about buying a home. 

Sellers want to know that a potential buyer can follow through with the home purchase. With a pre approval, you’re much less likely to be passed over in favor of someone who has a lender and the funds prepared because you will already qualify to buy it. 

So not only does it put you in a great position with home sellers, but it also allows you to make an offer on homes that you are interested in. This gives many home buyers peace of mind throughout the process. 

2. Pre approval helps you look at homes that’ll be the best fit. 

Save time in the home search process by knowing what you really want in a home, as well as what you can afford. That’s what a pre approval helps you do. Our team sends any potential buyers monthly market reports, an email with the listings of available homes that interest them. With a pre approval you can change the parameters to closely capture the types of homes you are qualified to buy. 

Learn how to sign up for monthly market reports on our site today if you are currently in the market. It is powerful information that you need to know while searching for homes! 

3. Pre approval gives you an idea of how much you can afford. 

As mentioned above, a major benefit of loan pre approvals is that you will see how much money a lender is willing to lend you. This makes the task of calculating your down payment and adjusting expectations for your budget and the type of home you can afford so much clearer. 

This naturally decreases the number of homes on the market that will be applicable to you, saving you time in the research phase and saves you from falling in love with a home you can’t afford. 

4. Pre approval gives you time to compare and find the best lender. 

Getting started with the pre approval process at the beginning of your home search gives you time to explore the lenders available to you. Even if you are pre-approved with a specific lender, you are not committed to working with that particular lender. However, it will speed up the closing of the loan because they will have your paperwork ready to go on file. 

5. Pre approval is a great negotiation tool.

Loan pre approval is a helpful negotiation tool for potential buyers as well. You will close on a home loan quicker, making it appealing to sellers, who often choose an offer with a pre approval over offers that do not.

6. Pre approval speeds up the closing period. 

Mortgage approval is often the longest contingency to satisfy in a purchase contract. Additionally, there is no window while your loan application is being processed, so obtaining a pre approval as soon as you begin your search can speed things up entirely. 

You can even shorten a 30-day closing period to 2-3 weeks, under certain circumstances. This can come in handy and move your offer to the top if you can accommodate a seller’s need to close quickly.  

Important Note

Mortgage pre approvals will often expire 60 days following when they were written. Factors like your income, employment status, credit score, and interest rates can change, which is one of the main reasons for the expiration period. But not to worry, your lender will update the necessary paperwork so you can continue searching for homes with pre approval. 

Conclusion

The Pursuing Homes Real Estate Group would be happy to connect you with a great lender to get this conversation started. Feel free to contact us to discuss pre approval with one of our expert realtors. 

If you want to live near thriving downtown Nashville, but not necessarily in the middle of the hustle and bustle, East Nashville is the place for you. A culinary hot spot from the beginning, East Nashville locals enjoy bars, coffee shops, delicious restaurants, and vintage stores. 

If you are considering a move to the Nashville area, check out East Nashville. We've provided some background info, along with our top 5 neighborhood picks for you below. 

Brief History 

With charming 1900s homes and a unique culture that attracts artists and musicians, East Nashville stands on its own. They are located across from the Cumberland River and have a buzzing nightlife. 

East Nashville is the perfect place to establish yourself in an up and coming area of Nashville, as they continue to establish their own culture and history. 

Community Amenities 

Having I-24 along its western border gives residents easy access to all manner of services, businesses, and recreation. It's also surrounded by attractive communities including Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, and Belle Meade.

With downtown Nashville just a 10-minute drive away, restaurant and entertainment opportunities are aplenty. There is no shortage of activities to participate in once you cross the river. 

Top 5 Neighborhoods

More than anything else, East Nashville is popular for its unique combination of an eclectic food scene and rich sense of history. 

If you’re a fan of street art and trendy restaurants, the Five Points area is the place to be. However, Shelby Park is another area of East Nashville that has plenty of trees and home to the Greenway, a path winding along the Cumberland River. 

Here are five of the more well-known communities to check out: 

1. McFerrin Park

McFerrin Park is a rapidly growing neighborhood in the heart of Nashville. Many homes are affordable in the residential areas of this community, making it an up-and-coming place to live. 

You can also enjoy some of Nashville’s most eclectic dining spots, like Fold, Bokbox, and Redheaded Stranger. 

The median home price in this area is around $480,000. There is a strong sense of community in this area, so consider McFerrin Park if you want the benefit of knowing your neighbors while being close to the urban core.  

2. Greenwood 

Greenwood is among the more walkable districts in East Nashville. Its proximity to Ellington Parkway also makes it a quick trip to downtown!

This neighborhood is well known as being home to one of Nashville’s hidden gems — Mas Tacos. They are also home to Peninsula, one of the best dinner spots in town. You can also grab a beer at The Pharmacy! 

There is a large range of home prices in this area. You can find a home as low as $250,000, all the way up to find a home as high as $5 million!

3. Lockeland Springs

Lockeland Springs is another one of East Nashville’s most walkable neighborhoods. Conveniently in between Five Points and Shelby Golf Course, you can enjoy many parks and lovely streets.

The homes in this area are some of the most historic homes around, one of the reasons that people move to this family-friendly community with high walkability. The oldest fire hall is also located in Lockeland Springs on Holly Street. You can also enjoy some world-famous restaurants in this area, like Urban Cowboy, Dino’s, and Lockeland Table.

There is a wide range of home prices in this area, from the $200,000 to $800,000 range.

4. Cleveland Park

The neighborhood of Cleveland Park has been developing at a quick pace in recent years. As one of the most up-and-coming communities in East Nashville, it is extremely walkable.

Some of the more affordable homes can be found in this area of Nashville, starting in the mid $200,000 range and going upwards of $400,000.  

If you want to be a part of the growth in this area, now is a great time to buy a home.

5. Eastwood

Eastwood is a historical neighborhood and bordered by Porter Road and Gallatin Avenue.

As a center for local music, craft beer, award-winning food, arts, and lovely homes, this is one of the best candidates for a place to call home in Nashville.

Some notable features of this area include local shops like Rosepepper Cantina, Southern Grist Brewing, and The Nashville Biscuit House. This area is also pedestrian-friendly, with just a short walk to many shops and activities. 

Eastwood is one of the most convenient communities in East Nashville, so give us a call if you’d like to discuss housing options in this area. 

Contact Us

We are highly experienced and knowledgeable regarding East Nashville properties. Please give us a call or get in touch if you have any questions about the area or need assistance buying or selling a home. We'd love to speak with you!

Are you looking to sell your house in the coming year? If so, now is the time to get your house in order to sell. Although it will be more work upfront, it should pay off in the end — oftentimes with a literal increase in the value of your home and a quicker sale!

Follow these 5 easy tips to help improve your chances of a quick sale below: 

1. Take care of repairs

When buyers see something that needs repair while touring their potential new home, it makes them feel anxious. They wonder how much extra work owning your home will be for them. Take care of any obvious repairs before putting your home on the market to avoid this potential deterrent. 

2. Remove clutter from the property

Removing clutter will make your home look larger. You may even want to remove a few items of furniture to help with this too. Take a step back and think about each room and the story it tells.

Make sure the purpose of each room is clear, even if it's not how you previously used the room. It can be confusing when bedrooms are made out as offices, as the buyer may not be able to picture that room as a bedroom. Each room should have a story to tell and be set up in the most beneficial way for potential buyers.  

3. Focus on small changes over major renovations

​A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to spruce the place up, not to mention an affordable alternative. Re-doing your kitchen, adding an extra bathroom, or landscaping your backyard can be major money wasters if you plan to sell your home in the coming year.  

4. Invest in the first area people will see 

In the event that you only have enough time and money to invest in one area of the house, you should invest it in the first area or room that someone sees when they walk through the front door. Whether it's a large hallway, family room, or living room, you should pay special attention to the setup of this area. Remember, first impressions are everything. Make sure this area is always clean and clutter-free. The first impression may be the only impression left on a buyer!

5. Take care of any bad odors

Bad odors can instantly turn off a buyer — especially things like cigarette smoke, mold, or pet odors. Science has proven that smells and scents can evoke strong emotions. For example, the best part of a new car is that new car smell!

Think about what emotions you want the smells of your home to evoke. Utilize spray and plug-in air fresheners. A good smell can hide a bad one quite easily. However, it’s important not to overpower the senses by aromas that are too strong. A buyer may think you are trying to hide something, or an overabundance of fragrance may be offputting. 

Are you buying a home and wondering how your credit score will impact this process? According to our preferred lenders, the better the score, the better the interest rate you will get for your loan. Even if your credit score is poor or fair, it's not as hard as you may think to increase your score.

Know that late payments or bankruptcies won't haunt you forever. In fact, most negative information falls off of your credit report after seven years, assuming you continue to make payments on time from the date of the occurrence.

It's important to note that although you may have lingering credit issues, some loan programs may allow for a home purchase prior to the day the negative credit drops off your report, so be sure to reach out to find out if you may qualify to purchase today.

The infographics below will help you determine what areas you may want to work on if you know you have some credit challenges that may prevent you from either obtaining a loan or qualifying for better interest rates.*

*As agents, we are not qualified to determine or comment on your credit scores, credit report or credit clean up. Consult with a qualified and licensed lender and/or credit specialist to learn more on how to best clean up your credit. 

Whether you're interested in selling your home now or later, it's important to educate yourself so that when the time comes, you're much more prepared and informed in your decision making. That's why we wanted to share the biggest mistakes to avoid as a homeowner when choosing a real estate agent.

Many people make the mistake of choosing their agent solely based on the agent's recommended list price. 

This is a tactic some agents use to just get your listing. They may give you an inflated price and tell you what they think you want to hear, just to get you to list with them.

Instead, focus your reasons for choosing an agent on the following 2 factors:

1. Who has the most aggressive marketing plan of action to get your home exposed to the maximum number of buyers out there? 

2. Who has the best contract negotiation skills to ensure you're getting as much money in your pocket as possible?  

Now, of course, the list price of your home does matter. However, your real estate agent should share things with you like the price of recent homes sold, currently pending and active comparable's to your property in order to make a realistic recommended list price.

That doesn't mean you have to list at the recommended price. It's your home, you are the boss, and your agent should be on your side. But you should be able to expect upfront answers and honest recommendations from your listing agent. They should share what they feel is the true market value of your home. 

When the time comes to sell your home, you may find yourself overwhelmed with a number of selling strategies, techniques, and even more questions. Should you repaint? Should you remodel? What are the most important things to focus on? 

While all of these things are considered to help you sell your home faster, they may distract you from some of the simplest, but proven methods favored by real estate professionals.

Here are the two ultimate secrets to selling a home:

Secret #1: always keep your home ready to show

You never know when your next buyer is going to walk through the door. You don't get a second chance to make a great first impression! That's why you need to be sure your home is "show-ready" at all times.

You'll need to accommodate potential buyer's schedules and try to be available whenever they want to come see the place. Don't leave dishes in the sink, keep the floors clean, keep the bathrooms sparkling, and make sure there are no dishes in the dishwasher.

Secret #2: curb appeal can make all the difference

Buyers will judge your home before they walk through the front door. It's important to make people feel welcome and safe as they approach the house.

Don't worry about completely repainting the exterior of your home. However, clean and spruce up your home's exterior with new brightly colored flowers and plants. Keep sidewalks clear and make sure that your lawn is cut on a regular basis. Entryways are important, so you will want to add a welcoming touch by adding a sitting bench or fresh flowers.

Focus on these two things to see more success in selling your home! 

Like the famous author Steven Covey would say in his book 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, you need to “begin with the end in mind.” In real estate, it’s no different. It’s important to think about the home you hope to buy in the future.

What does the home you see yourself living in look like and what features does it have? To find that home, you need to define what attributes you are looking for.

Does it have a pool? Is it a one or two-story? How many bedrooms does it have?

The more specific you can be, the quicker you will find the home of your dreams and also ensure you do not miss out on one that would have been perfect for you.

Ask yourself the following questions when you begin the home search process: 

• What city/cities are you considering a home purchase?

• What price do you want to stay under?

• How many bedrooms do you need?

• How many baths do you need?

• What is the minimum square footage you would like?

• Would you like a single story or a two-story home, or possibly either?

• Is a swimming pool a must?

• What other needs do you have?

It is a seller’s responsibility during the sale of their home to “disclose” all material facts regarding the knowledge they have about the home. Any remodeling or repairs that have been done on the property should be disclosed. Any issues they know about must to be made known to the buyer.

Your responsibility as a buyer is to “discover” all you can about the home.

Sellers are often unaware of issues with their home until a professional inspects it. You have the right to thoroughly inspect the home you are purchasing. It is highly recommended to hire a professional home inspection company and a licensed pest inspection company to start with.

Once the home inspector completes their investigation of the property, they may recommend further evaluations to be completed by a qualified professional. For example, if the home inspector had concerns about the air conditioner or heater, it is a good idea to have that looked into further by a licensed HVAC company.  

Be proactive. Ask questions, and meet some of your potential new neighbors. If you are viewing the property during the day, you may want to drive by in the evening also.

Preparing your home for sale is vital in our competitive real estate market. The preparation of your home for sale will not only showcase the value of your home but can also increase its value to potential buyers.

Follow our top 10 tips for staging your home to sell below:

1. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes

Walk around your home and put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What do they see? How will they feel about your home? Is it attractive, open, and clean? Does it smell good? Start by fixing these things at once. A buyer will notice these elements immediately. 

2. Create a welcoming front porch area

Nothing says "welcome home" like an attractive entrance! Whether you have a large front porch or tiny stoop, spruce it up with a decorated doormat, potted plant, and attractive porch furniture. During the time that buyers will be checking out your home, keep the porch light on in the evenings. If you want to go the extra mile, create a path to the front door with solar lights!  

3. Get rid of all clutter 

Clutter builds up around a house that you live in, there's no way around it. Especially when you're packing to move and trying to sell your home at the same time. Clear away all cupboards, floors, closets, and surfaces to create an appealing look for potential buyers. This may require borrowing space in a relative's garage or utilizing offsite storage space. 

4. Don't get attached to "your style" 

If you find yourself getting discouraged while staging your home because it doesn't feel like your style, don't be alarmed. It's perfectly fine if it's not your style! We recommend reigning in any unique styles for the sake of appealing to the masses. Keep it clean, simple, and neutral. This is the best way to appeal to potential buyers.  

5. Opt for neutral colors 

Building on our last tip, we recommend opting for neutral colors when staging your home. Now's not the time to play around with bright yellow or lime green. There is variety within the neutral palette, however. Rich colors like mocha, olive green, and charcoal grey can create a classy backdrop and refine your home's decor. 

6. Set up your dining room 

Although a clean dining room is good for potential buyers to see, setting up the dining room is even better. A large table can look uninviting, so decorating the table like you're about to have a dinner party can increase interest and appeal. Line it up with a series of smaller vessels and a nice collection of dishware.  

7. Showcase your closets 

It may be tempting to stuff your closets full of boxes or unwanted items, but simply stuffing them full and shutting the doors may come back to haunt you. It's more than likely that visitors at your open houses will want to take a peek inside of your closets. If they open the doors to see a mound of unorganized mess, it will not bid well on the impression of their home. Aim to keep 20-30% of open space in each of your closets to give an impression of spaciousness. 

8. Take advantage of the extra rooms 

No matter how you've used your spare rooms personally, take a step back and think about the most useful purpose for your extra rooms. Each room should have a clear purpose, ideally with an appealing purpose to potential buyers. Some ideas for your spare rooms are offices, guest rooms, another kid's room, etc.

Buy cheap furniture or borrow some from a friend to make the purpose of the room especially clear. This will likely have a big payoff when the offers start rolling in! 

9. Show people how they can use the "awkward" spaces 

Do you have a nook under the staircase or an alcove in your home? Take the time to decorate this space in a unique way. Set up a small workspace, install built-in shelving, or create a comfy reading nook. This will transform the space from "wasted" to a desirable selling point. 

10. Don't forget to stage the outdoor areas of your home 

The outdoor spaces of your home should be treated with as much care as the indoor spaces when you're getting ready to sell. Create small dining areas, spruce up your garden, clean your pool or fire pit, and keep the grass groomed. It's equally important to decorate for the season that you're selling in. Play up the cozy vibes in autumn and winter, or go for playful vibes in the summer and spring.