Bobbie's answer is great. Staging has nothing to do with whether you're a slob. And so one of the other answers below demonstrates a lack of understanding on what staging is and isn't.

Sure, cleanliness is part of it. But the real purpose of staging is to present the home so that potential buyers can envision themselves living there. So it involves removing clutter. It often involves rearranging furniture, and possibly substituting some for others. It involves "neutralizing" the home--minimizing personal effects and distractions. And it involves the judicious placement of items--a plant here, a table setting there--to help the buyer envision living there.

Here's another point that some people miss: Staging is deliberately artificial. Now, it's not supposed to look artificial or fake to the buyer. But you may do some things in staging that you'd never do in real life--once you actually live there. The word is "staging"--as in a theater stage. When you go to a theater, you're presented with one or more "sets." Unless it's theater in the round, notice how all the furniture and items are positioned for viewing by the audience? It suggests the way a home might look, but it's certainly not the way a real home (from whatever era) actually would be set up. It's exactly the same with home staging. You're creating an effect. Just as in a theater, you want the theater-goer/buyer to imagine themselves in that setting, and to image the life that accompanies the setting.

Staging is very, very important.

Adequately preparing a house to sell in the current market is critical. Buyers have high expections! You are likely competing with multiple properties in your geographic area and price range. Your house needs to stand out in buyer's minds and look better than your competition--staging can help you accomplish that. Having a professional objectively evaluate your property is key.

To compete with all of the foreclosures and short sales you must show buyers your home is ready to move into without much, if any, work. A fresh coat of paint, updated light fixtures and clean/new carpets are ways to set your home apart from the competition. Be sure to have sparkling clean bathrooms and kitchen. Clear the countertops to give the feel of a larger kitchen and polish the cabinets so they shine. Anything less lumps you in with the average home.

Robert:

I think it is critical. I’ve attached a link that gives my rationale.

How To “Play” Against REOs With Your “Normal” Sale – A Critical Factor Required To Win http://www.trulia.com/blog/carl_medford/2009/04/why_you_need_the_best_st

.

Here are a few blog posts I have authored assist you.


http://activerain.com/blogsview/1303197/staging-your-dallas-…

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1248166/dallas-homes-for-sal…

The Best way to stage a house is just clean up everything and tidy everything. Its not so much going out and buying staging items as it is cleanliness. Buyers want to be able to walk around your home without having to walkover anything or see anything unslightly. A good way to start would be put all clothes away and keep closet doors closed. Any personal hygene items put away in bathroom and not in the open. Make sure all dishes are put awa and also make sure are the beds are made. Another thing would be to have all mirrors clean and windows as well. Last thing would be to have the floors vaccumed and make the couches look nice( put the pillows up and fluff them a bit). Also a nice nice touch would be to Febreeze all the fabric in the house and maybe pick up some candles. Another tip is to ahev all this curtains open when potential clients are viewing your property.

John & Sarena Villaescusa
Cell- 562-818-2671
Email- Johnv@kw.com
Website- http://www.VGroupHomes.com

It can make a huge difference. For example, one real estate agent told me that Staging increased the sale price by $20k on a small 3/1 in Watsonville that I recently closed.

The property was listed at 269k, I set up a bidding war and sold it for $321,500. The same agent said that by setting up the bidding war, I probably got another $10k for my clients.

How you present the product is very important. Do not miss out on getting the top dollar for you property!

http://listings.realbird.com/Real_Estate/Move-in-Ready-in-Gr…

Hello Robert and thanks for your post.

As Bobbie noted below, staging can be very helpful in seling your home. But before you invest in a staging company, talk with a qualified real estate professional for tips, cues and information that will help you sell your home. A good Realtor will be able to tell you what you need to do to increase the value of your "curb appeal" as well as beautify the interior of the home. Sometimes staging is required, and sometimes the money is better spent on some minor repairs and cleaning.

Consulting with a Realtor will go a long way to getting your home "show ready" for buyers!

Good luck!
Grace Morioka, SRES, e-Pro
Area Pro Realty
Tel 408-426-1616
Email: GraceAreaProRealty@att.net

It has nothing to do with being a slob, the real reason you would stage a home is to give the buyer a clear vision of your home and yet allows them to see it without your personal items. They are able to see it with their things in mind and also are not distracted by your personal decor. You can put your personal items in boxes in garage or storage if need be, as you are moving it give you a jump start as well. It is proven that a staged home sells faster and shows better than one that is not. There are stagers that will use your furniture, and others who will want to bring in their own. Each has value to the sale. The cost of the staging is much lower than the first price reduction you will take if it does not sell.