Real Estate and Staging go hand in hand.  Here is why...
Some time ago I came to the conclusion that almost 100 percent of the homes for sale in today's market need to be staged. Staging is necessary whether the property is vacant or furnished.
 
Staging your property does not necessarily mean bringing in the professionals. There is a simple strategy involving the proper placement of furniture and accessories to maximize the space in your house. Whether you have an eye for this sort of thing, and you probably do, there are books that can give you many inexpensive ideas. I have been amazed at how many sellers do not take advantage of the concept of staging because it brings value to the property and usually more money than it costs.
 
A common misconception with sellers is that staging is disproportionately expensive and they do not want to put any more money into a home they are selling. In reality, staging is a wise investment. Most sellers will reduce the price if their property once, twice, and sometimes three times, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per drop. Why not stage your home for a fraction of the cost? It only makes sense!
 
I'm very passionate about everything I do, and home staging is at the top of the list. Staging will soon be a necessity and not an option when selling. You will be far ahead of those who have not accepted this commonsence idea.
 
As the author points out, some staging "tricks" may mean only rearranging your current furniture or removing some of it, or it could mean de-cluttering- getting "stuff" into storage, selling it, or giving it away. If it seems overwhelming, the author's philosophy if eating an elephant one bite at a time will get you started and bolster your spirts.
 
So, whether the market is "Hot" or "Not"... you will always WIN by staging your property.
 
Best of luck on "Staging and selling" your home!
 
 
From 301 Simple Things you can do to sell your home now by Katie Joanow
 
 
 
 
Home Staging Tips for Home Sellers: "Get Ready To Move -- Start Packing"

Try looking at your house "THROUGH THE BUYER'S EYES" as though you've never seen it or been there before. Any time or money invested on the following will bring back more money in return, and hopefully a faster sale.

INSIDE:
1. Clear all unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house. Keep decorative objects on the furniture restricted to groups of 1, 3, or 5 items.
2. Clear all unnecessary objects from the kitchen countertops. If it hasn't been used for three months... put it away! Clear refrigerator fronts of messages, pictures, etc. (A sparse kitchen helps the buyer mentally move their own things into your kitchen.)
3. In the bathroom, remove any unnecessary items from countertops, tubs, shower stalls and commode tops. Keep only your most needed cosmetics, brushes, perfumes etc., in one small group on the counter. Coordinate towels to one or two colors only.
4. Rearrange or remove some of the furniture if necessary. As owners, many times we have too much furniture in a room. This is wonderful for our own personal enjoyment, but when it comes to selling we need to thin out as much as possible to make rooms appear larger.
5. Take down or rearrange certain pictures or objects on walls. Patch and paint if necessary.
6. Review the inside of the house room by room, and:
  • Paint any room needing paint.
  • Clean carpets or drapes that need it.
  • Clean windows.
    7. If you need room to store extra possessions use the garage or rent a storage unit.
    8. Leave on certain lights during the day. During "showings" turn on all lights and lamps.
    9. Have stereo FM on during the day for all viewings.

    OUTSIDE:
    1. Go around the perimeter of the house and move all garbage cans, discarded wood scraps, extra building materials, etc., into the garage.
    2. Check gutters for roof moss and dry rot. Make sure they are swept and cleaned.
    3. Look at all plants... prune bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking windows. "YOU CAN'T SELL A HOUSE IF YOU CAN'T SEE IT." Plants are like children -- they grow so fast!!
    4. Weed and then mulch all planting areas. Keep lawn freshly cut and fertilized. Remove and dead plants or shrubs.
    5. Clear patios or decks of all small items. such as small planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbecues, toys. etc. (Put them in the garage or a storage unit.)
    6. Check paint condition of the house -- especially the front door and trim. "CURB APPEAL REALLY WORKS!"

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