An increasing amount of homesellers are now seeking the help of professionals to improve the aesthetic qualities of their property to boost value, and in most cases, often lead to a faster sale.

Similar to the concept of a model home, Home Staging is a growing profession that is rapidly changing the way homes are sold. Home staging instructor, Joanne O'Donnell, is quick to point out that staging is NOT decorating. In some respects, home staging is a psychological art. Says O'Donnell, "A good stager will be savvy to the psychological desires of humans, will understand the cultural preferences of the likely buyer, and can transform an undesirable piece of real-estate into one that is more desirable."

The concept first became known in 1972 by then-Realtor, Barb Schwarz who realized that homes would sell for higher prices if they were prepared to sell first. Home stagers start by viewing the seller's home inside and out and taking notes of what could be added or remove to improve the aesthetic of the house. O'Donnell preaches open space and eliminating clutter. "Clutter eats up equity," O'Donnell frequently reminds the students throughout the course she teaches. "The whole idea of staging is that you want to market to the largest number of people to get as many offers as possible," says O'Donnell.

For those wanting to do their own home staging, O'Donnell stresses five key points that must be applied when staging a home: (1) The home needs to be clean; (2)The home needs to be clutter free; (3) The home must have color; (4) Home should be creatively staged; and (5) A compromise must be reached with the sellers since many of them continue living in their homes while they're being shown.

Although many sellers may have issues in hiring somebody to essentially redo and reorganize the home that they so lovingly decorated, the success of home staging speaks for itself. Home stagers say that properties that look "rough" will command about 10 to 15 percent lower sales value compared to properties that have had some cosmetic work to make them more appealing.

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