On the day we listed our house the local newspaper announced that recent home sales in Lancaster County were the lowest of all time. What, are we completely nuts?? Well, somewhat. But after all, we started this process 18 months ago with the belief that by the time we were ready to put our house on the market the economy would be on the upswing. So much for that logic! After months of sorting through every closet, drawer and cabinet, a yard sale in 90+ temps, numerous trips to Goodwill and a thorough top to bottom house cleaning, we were ready! On the advice of many articles on "staging", I put away our knick knacks, took down all the family pictures, hid our toothbrushes and paper towel holder and poof - the house looks like a model home and almost sterile. Nobody lives this way but it's a game we have to play - by taking everything that represents "us" it makes it easier for the prospective buyer to see themselves living in this house. I have to admit, it does make the house look bigger and I am enjoying how neat and organized everything is. However, I know I won't enjoy trying to keep it this way! Now we wait for the phone to ring!