Sandy Hess, e-PRO REALTOR, ABR, ASP

The quick answer: according to statistics gathered and shared by StagedHomes.com, correctly staged homes sell in about 1/2 the time of unstaged homes. For more information, go tohttp:// www.StagedHomes.com . - Thu May 8 2008, 09:30

Market Snapshot offers an ongoing answer to this question. This new technology provides an interactive map and extensive data on the asking prices of homes on the market and also the prices of recently sold homes in any neighborhood in Hampton Roads (except possibly for very newly constructed neighborhoods).

Go thehttp:// www.SandySoldMyHouse.com and click on Market Snapshot (about 1/2 way down the home page) to learn more or to sign up to receive free email reports for as long as you desire -- and with no need to talk with an agent! However, if you want more information, just email of call the sponsoring agent. - Thu May 8 2008, 09:17

Home decorating describes the way the home is designed to look when someone lives there. This usually reflects the owner's taste and preferences for style and function. Staging describes how the home is prepared to touch the emotions of and to show off the architectural features to a potential buyer. The "look" of each can be very different, even though both can be very beautiful. Staging is based on proven principles of furniture placement, color scheme, placement of accessories, and more. One basic principle is "clutter eats equity".

According to statistics collected by Staged Homes, these homes sell in about half the time and for up to 10% more than unstaged homes. It is certainly worth the effort and expense for sellers to have their home -- large or small --staged, as the cost is typically less than the first price reduction which often accompanies an unstaged home. Sellers can research how to stage their own home by typing "home staging" into a favorite search engine. Some real estate agents have special training to assist sellers with this project, and there are professional staging companies which offer a variety of packages from which the seller can choose, depending on budget, time, and effort required. - Thu May 8 2008, 09:10