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In comparison to the 145-day average non-staged homes stay in the market, statistics from staging education website, StagedHomes.com, show that "94% of homes staged by an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) sell on average in 29 days or less."

And with that in mind, here are the top 12 home improvements for sellers identified in a HomeGain survey, with highest returns on investment:

1. Clean and de-clutter

• Clean the house from top to bottom and make sure no unpleasant odors linger inside the property.
• Remove excess furniture and appliances that may make the space appear smaller.
• Declutter and empty out the garage.

2. Home staging

• Showcase features that add value to a home such as the fireplace, upgraded kitchen countertops and built-in shelving units.
• Depersonalize as much as possible and clear out your personal items. You are showcasing the home for sale, thus it is essential for the buyer to imagine themselves, and their stuff, in the home you're selling.

3. Lighten and brighten

• General lighting accented with mood lamps or spotlights dramatically improve the ambiance of the home.

4. Landscaping

• Address both the front and back yard, making sure that they set a great backdrop for the home.
• Check, unclog and clean your gutters, downspouts, drainage and rainwater pipes to remove debris that can provide shelter for termites.
• Prune bushes and trim the trees, remove dead plants, and keep the lawn mowed.
• Check the wooden structures outside the house for signs of termite activity or damage. Run checks on the wooden fences, garden furniture, the patio, deck or veranda.
• Reduce sources of shelter that store excess moisture and makes the house attractive to termites.

5. Repair plumbing
6. Update Electrical

• Replace old light fixtures, switches and faulty outlets.

7. Replace or shampoo carpets

• Clean windows and draperies too.
• Placing area rugs can highlight and add warmth to a space.

8. Paint interior walls
9. Repair damaged floors
10. Update kitchen
11. Paint outside of home
12. Update bathroom

• This cannot be overemphasized. A super clean, pleasant-smelling, well-lit bathroom is always a great selling point. Do not let this space be the last on your priority list.
• Get a professional cleaner to rid the bathroom of molds and age-old grime.
• Replace broken fixtures.
• A neutral master bathroom that appeals to both sexes is recommended.

These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move.

1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, but if you’ve owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant, unrealized gains.
2. Has your income or financial situation improved? If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving.
3. Have you outgrown your neighborhood? The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same neighborhood you want to settle down in for good. For example, you may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job or live in a better school district.
4. Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on? Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your municipality doesn’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.
5. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market? If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy also will be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home.
6. Are interest rates attractive? A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer.
7. The rental market is Hot right now...Another option is to lease your current home instead of selling