“Why should I stage my home?” is a commonly-asked question. The answer, quite simply, is that staging is one of the most important steps toward getting your home sold for the highest price. Staged homes, when priced correctly, sell faster and for more money than those that are not staged. And staging adds value to a property in several ways.

A staged home “shows” better than one that is not. Buyers can more easily imagine themselves living in a home that has been staged. Buyers feel more confident in making an offer on a home that appears to be organized, cared for and well-maintained.

“We want our homes to be comfortable, and so we surround ourselves with our favorite furniture, photos, books and stuff,” says Linda Russell, HouseDressing owner and staging expert. “But when you are selling your home, you want the buyers to see the space, and visualize how they will use each room. HouseDressing sets the stage to create those scenes in the buyer’s mind.”

As a realtor, Linda considers the buyer’s perspective when she stages a property.“When I stage a home I always keep the buyers in mind. What are they seeing when they walk into a room? How does the room feel? Is it well lit? Is it bogged down by heavy drapery and artwork? Will the buyer be distracted by too many personal photos and objects? I want to maximize the space, says Linda, make it as neutral as possible to appeal to the most buyers, but decorated so that it looks and feels finished: light, open and inviting. I want to see every space done right and the total package to be a ‘Wow’! That’s what attracts the offers.”