Out with the bold

While color can create character in a home, it can also inspire strong reactions from potential buyers. "For the most part people, I find, are afraid of color, and there are also people that just don't like certain colors," says Selby.

Before showing the home, repaint any brightly-colored rooms in neutral whites and beiges, or mellow yellows and blues. Make your home pop instead with colorful furniture, throw pillows, and rugs, as does this condo Selby staged for "Longyear at Fisher Hill" in Brookline.