Research shows that staged homes sell quicker. You don’t need to hire a professional stager, though;  just get a second opinion of your work from a friend with a good eye for how things look. Here are 10 self-staging tips:

1. Freshen the Paint. Put a fresh coat of paint on walls and trim. Use neutral colors and think about painting the exterior too if you think it needs it.

2. Fill Empty Wall Space. Bare walls make your home feel cold. Put up framed artwork, mirrors or photography. Be creative — hang plates, driftwood or interesting found objects!

3. Treat the TV like Art. A flat-screen TV on the wall can be a piece of art. Connect it to a DVD player or computer and play a silent slide show of scenes from nature. Remove TVs from bedrooms.

4. Furnish All Rooms. Buyers have trouble seeing themselves living in a space that’s empty. Don’t use a lot of furniture and avoid bold patterns. Add pillows and throws for pops of color.

5. Install Window Treatments. Blank windows feel sterile. Put up a simple curtain rod and solid color drapes for a cozy feeling and a nicely framed view outside.

6. Tidy Up the Bookshelves. Get rid of clutter on shelves and remove book jackets to create a decorative focal point.

7. Add Flowers. Fresh-cut flowers and plants add life. Avoid using pastic flowers and trees– they look dated.

8. Make Bedrooms Gender-neutral. Keep colors neutral, with simple white bedding for a fresh look.

9. De-clutter everywhere. Remove personal items from rooms — family photos, collectibles, mail, magazines, and toys. Tidy up closets. In the kitchen, take small appliances off counter tops; organize food and dishes in cupboards.

10. Keep Up the Yard. Make sure your yard looks neat and well taken care of. Cut the grass before the buyer visits.  Add mulch and seasonal flowers if necessary.