CLEVELAND -- Ray Blackburn is happy to show off his home for sale. It's practically brand new with granite counter tops, hardwood floors and a master bath make it a buyer's dream.

"We've had quite a few showings, especially initially," said Blackburn.

But with so many homes on the market, solid construction isn't enough. Sellers need to wrap it up in a pretty bow.

"Your home has to be updated," said Lisa Basham, a professional home stager. She said helping prospective buyers connect to your home is what seals the deal.

She said, "Builders have known for years you have to invest in furniture and accessories to make it beautiful because you want the buyer to emotionally connect and get excited."

Basham points out when a prospective buyer walks through the front door, the last thing they should see are your personal pictures. The potential buyer gets too wrapped up in the pictures and forget the rest of the house.

When it comes to the family room, make sure everything is in proportion. For example, the artwork above the fireplace shouldn't dwarf in comparison to the mantel.

In the kitchen, de-clutter your countertops and hide the garbage can. You want your home to look as unlived-in as possible.

If you are moving out of the house quickly, leave some furniture or have the home stager furnish your home. Basham said only one in 10 people can actually visualize themselves in a vacant home.

When you are ready to sell your home, you need to detach from it emotionally. It's now a business deal. That means a small investment in simple projects can pay off three-fold. So tear down that wallpaper, put up a fresh coat of paint and update the light fixtures.

Home stagers often rearrange rooms to maximize the space. The foot of the bed should face the door if possible. If your bedding is outdated, invest in a new ensemble.

You can also add some simple touches that give rooms that added "wow" factor. Basham said, "An easy fix is to take it and add a bunch of pillows with color." Empty coffee tables are not inviting, so buy some candles or coffee table books.

Unless you're hiding something, leave your drapes and blinds open to show off the natural light or nice features such as a deck.

The cost of a home stager is typically 1 to 3 percent of the value of your home. But you will likely get that back and it could even be a tax write-off as a home improvement.

If you are interested in contacting Lisa Basham about home staging, go to Staged To Sell.