However, Curtis Mathes wasn’t looking to compromise the quality of his product to meet ideal selling prices. When Curtis Mathes began manufacturing televisions he had one major goal in mind; to have the most well-built, reliable and expensive television on the market. He did. And, they were. The televisions were so well built that each set had a four year warranty, which was unheard of at the time – and today for that matter. But, if consumers wanted the best they were going to have to pay for it.

So, by the end of the 1970s Curtis Mathes had perhaps the finest color television set in the world, but because of its price tag most Americans couldn’t afford to purchase it. That’s when Willie Talley stepped in and partnered with Curtis Mathes. Willie had an ingenious concept, “ColorTyme.” Willie believed at the time that it was “tyme” for all households to have “color” television…hence ColorTyme. While he didn’t expect the name to become so quickly dated, it has stuck over the years.

Willie’s idea materialized in Athens, Texas in 1979, where the first ColorTyme rent-to-own store opened. With the store’s opening came the opportunity for every average American family to purchase the finest color television available. Curtis Mathes didn’t have to sacrifice quality, and any American household could now afford to move from the era of black and white into the time of color.

Today, ColorTyme is the nation’s oldest franchisor of independently owned and operated rent-to-own stores and offers not just TVs and electronics, but also appliances, computers and furniture. Thanks to the most expensive television set in America.

The goal of home staging is to improve your home’s appearance with the ultimate goal of selling the home faster and for the highest possible price. Why home stage? We are in a buyer’s market right now and putting that little time and effort into staging can make all the difference.

When staging your home, think of all the aspects that require some changes: the yard, entryway, living areas, kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms. A room that might not be important to you may be important to a potential buyer. A general rule of thumb is to keep your house clean and free of clutter. Make sure the yard is weeded, mowed and maybe plant a few fresh flowers. If you have kids, make sure their toys are not strewn about the yard or house. Have a friend help you look over the house. Patch up any knicks in the walls, peeling paint or holes.

Once you have tidied-up, it’s time to survey your furniture options. A majority of families spend most of their time in their living or family room areas and bedrooms. Keep in mind: Potential buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home. Make it easy for them by keeping the house warm and inviting with these helpful hints:

• Remove any family portraits; the buyers need to envision living there, not you.
• Make sure each room is open and easy to walk through. Remove furniture if it’s necessary.
• If you have a mantle or bookshelves, keep it simple; a couple items is all you need displayed. Remove and store the rest some place else.
• If your furniture seems outdated or grungy, you might want to consider contacting your local Hometown ColorTyme Rent-To-Own store to rent some furniture for a few weeks or months. Spending that little extra on a nicer sofa and loveseat set could make all the difference to a potential buyer.
• If the furniture in your bedrooms takes up more space than there is walking room, it’s also wise to contact ColorTyme and rent some smaller furniture.
• Make a trip to a local thrift store or find a good sale and replace worn out curtains, bedspreads and/or linens. This will help freshen-up the room and make it feel more up-to-date – even if the house was built 10 years ago.
• Keep the closets free of clutter. Closet space is a key benefit for most women. Place excess clothing, shoes and any other items in storage boxes.

Moving on throughout the house, another major stop along the way is the kitchen. This may actually be the place some families spend most of their time and can become the messiest. Be sure to thoroughly scrub down all appliances, walls and countertops. Everything should sparkle – even the kitchen sink.

If you plan to take your appliances and you have avoided buying new ones, now might be the right time to shop for something new. This is also a good time to contact your local Hometown ColorTyme Rent-To-Own store to see about replacing that old refrigerator. Your kitchen can look new and alive by just adding a refrigerator. If you later decide you don’t like that refrigerator model for your new home, you can return it hassle-free or exchange it for something else.

If you’ve already moved into your new home but haven’t sold your previous home, don’t fret – ColorTyme can help. Most people can’t leave their own furniture in the old house while it’s sitting vacant. Stop by your local Hometown ColorTyme Rent-To-Own store to temporarily rent (with low weekly or monthly payments) some small inexpensive pieces of furniture to adorn your house with while it’s up for sale. Think about including a loveseat and chair set for the living room with an end-table and lamp. In addition, think about including a kitchen table with four chairs. Potential buyers don’t want to try too hard to visualize what their potential future home may look like.

A crucial part of the selling experience is to have your home ready for every home seeker that stops by. Your home can stand out from the rest by adding a few minor touches here and there. Also, you’re more likely to sell it for your asking price if it’s properly staged. Try following these easy steps and make your home the next “Wow!” home for someone else.