the size of the room — both of which you definitely don’t want to put on display. Your goal is to help depersonalize your home so that house hunters can psychologically move into it. Leave a few nonpersonal pictures on the wall so the space doesn’t look so empty, but even generic paintings and photographs can serve the same function as that family reunion picture in Cancun. NEUTRALIZE YOUR BOOK COLLECTION Books can be a way of subconsciously conveying to potential home buyers the specific type of person that would thrive in the home. However, when selling your home, you should choose these books carefully. The rule of thumb is to choose “coffee table books.” Books that are generic yet appeal to the masses come to mind — think architecture, travel, history, and cuisine. Do not have controversial or deeply personal (such as religious or ideological literature) on display. Some topics can be divisive. And related to the previous topic, keep your photo albums packed away. TAKE DOWN ARTWORK AND COLLECTIONS One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. While you may have made it a focus of your home to showcase your personality through your possessions, including artwork and items you collect, your goal is to appeal to the widest array of people possible to purchase your home. Just as you hide your books in case of offending a potential buyer, you should take down all artwork that could be considered remotely offensive. This includes artwork with political messages, nudity, sports teams, religious imagery, and so forth. Other accents, like family heirlooms, should be taken down, as well. While you might very well be proud of that mounted moose head from your grandfather, potential home buyers could be put off by hunting wild game.
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