Want to sell your home for top dollar?
Staging is one way to make sure your home is as attractive as possible to your target buyers. Home staging is a real estate marketing tool that really packs a punch. As your real estate agent helps you prepare your home for sale, she or he may mention using the services of a professional home stager. Some agents even offer staging consultations as part of their services.

​Here are reasons why top-rated agents say that staging works to sell homes:

Home staging has proven results
Homes staged before hitting the market sell, on average, 73 percent faster than their unstaged counterparts, according to the Real Estate Staging Association. But if you're concerned about whether to spend a few hundred or several thousand dollars on staging, weigh the cost against the additional mortgage payments and possible price reductions that may result if your home lingers on the market.
Be aware, too, that following an initial consultation, a professional stager can scale services to fit your needs and budget. Often, a stager will provide a list of suggested actions and improvements and it's your choice how many to act upon.

Location is important, but it's not everything
Even a stellar location and listing price can't guarantee that your house will be snapped up quickly. The benefit of staging is that it complements the features already embedded in your home's appeal, such as the architecture and neighborhood, and can create the lasting impression needed to inspire offers.

Clearing clutter is just the start
Staging your home is about more than reducing clutter and "depersonalizing" your space so that buyers can imagine themselves living in it. A staging professional can work with your real estate agent to create a space that will be marketable to the largest possible audience.
Even if you are a decor-savvy homeowner with a great sense of style, it's important to note that the benefits of staging go beyond simply making a space attractive. A professional who understands what buyers want can present alternatives — such as furniture placement and paint colors, for example — that can make your home appear larger, more open and attractive to buyers.

A picture's worth a thousand words
Most home buyers begin their search online. Without an attractive digital presence, your home may be passed over at first glance. Staging your home can lead to wonderful photos that give you the visual edge you need to get buyers through the door. Knowing the strengths of your property and highlighting them from the moment you list will provide a significant advantage, regardless of current market conditions.
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Work with the pros
The first step in selling your home is to pair up with the right professionals. Choosing a Realtor who can successfully market your home is an essential first step. If your agent recommends staging, shop around. Seek out and contact references.