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(NBC News) -- As the real estate market cools and houses stay on the market longer, realtors are advising sellers to pay more attention to the way their homes look.
Shannon Bream reports on how a first impression can determine whether your house sells, or sits.
Tricia McDermott-Thompkins is getting ready to welcome a lot of people into her house on Sunday. She's even hoping a few will offer to buy it.
Tricia McDermott-Thompkins / Homeowner: "We've been here for about five-and-a-half years. It's a lovely home, but we wanted a nicer home."
Tricia turned to realtor Mike Kennedy for advice on how to make her house sparkle for potential buyers. Some things on his checklist are obvious.
Mike Kennedy / Help-U-Sell Real Estate: "The paint, the carpet, the exterior maintenance of the home. The curb appeal is a huge factor."
But other things might surprise you. See these family photos? Kennedy says, "Take them down."
Mike Kennedy / Help-U-Sell Real Estate: "You don't want them to focus on your family. We want them to focus on your house."
Same with these refrigerator magnets.
Tricia McDermott-Thompkins / Homeowner: "I thought, 'What's the big deal?' They could tell I had a daughter and I am trying to teach her how to read."
But Kennedy warns these magnets take buyers eyes away from what they should be looking at.
Mike Kennedy / Help-U-Sell Real Estate: "Removing the magnets from the refrigerator is a great way for the buyer to concentrate on granite countertops and marble floors."
Another tip: brighter is better.
Mike Kennedy / Help-U-Sell Real Estate: "See how much better this is going to look with the lights on? See how much brighter that looks?"
Kennedy says the lights should be on and blinds should be open, especially in rooms without direct sunlight.
Tricia McDermott-Thompkins / Homeowner: "You can see all the details that it's a really good impression when you walk into the room."
But it's not all about what potential buyers see. It's also about what they feel, hear, and even smell.
Mike Kennedy / Help-U-Sell Real Estate: "You'd be surprised at people, their appeal that they get from a home can sometimes come from a different sense."
So he advises his clients to set the thermostat around 70 degrees, put on some soft music, maybe even do a little baking.
Mike Kennedy / Help-U-Sell Real Estate: "Some people put an apple pie in the oven."
Pies, magnets, lighting, all this makes Tricia Thompkins realize just how much She has to do.
Tricia McDermott-Thompkins / Homeowner: "But I'm also excited by the fact that I think all these tips he's given us will help us sell the house."
No doubt there's a lot to think about when getting ready for an open house. Mike Kennedy recommends you start with the major things and work your way down.
