The latest trend in real estate sales is something called Staging. Staging is a lot like creating a set for a play or movie: it is meant to create an atmosphere of comfort, to make the house look bigger, brighter, and irresistible to a potential Buyer.

As you read more about staging, realize that Staging is no substitute for a through cleaning and de-cluttering! Staging won't help a dirty, poorly maintained house

• Staging creates a mood

• Staging makes a house more welcoming

• Costs can vary widely

Perhaps. Some of us don't have that decorating knack that makes a house feel like a home. Some of us have furniture that is out of date or in bad condition. Some of us are selling vacant homes. After cleaning the house thoroughly, de-cluttering, and making all those small repairs and touch-ups, take a good, objective look around. Do your possessions go together, do they match? Do they create a cohesive design plan? Is there a warm, welcoming feeling as you walk in the door? Most Buyers make pivotal decisions within 10 seconds of seeing house. If staging the front rooms of your house will make a Buyer's heart race with joy and welcome as they enter, then by all means, get staging!

That depends. Costs can vary widely depending on who you hire, how many rooms need to be staged, how much of your own stuff can be used, how large those rooms are, etcetera. It could be several hundred dollars, it could be a couple thousand. Estimates are typically free, and it doesn't hurt to shop around! Ask you agent for the best resources.

Vacant houses benefit greatly from staging. A well-staged house can change a vacant house from an empty cold space into a warm inviting home. Those of us still using our hand-me-down furniture from college and the recliner we found on the street-staging is for us! Worn, mismatched furniture isn't very inviting to a Buyer. Unless it's intentionally worn and mismatched so as to be "shabby chic." A hard look to pull off, if you ask me.