Cincinnati Home Staging Stage a Star's Blog Home Staging in Cincinnati

My Favorite 2008 Transformations...I couldn't pick just one!

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:58:48 -0600

I just couldn't let 2008 slip away without showing my favorite 2008 transformations. It was too hard to pick just one so I'm going to show you several of my favorites.

First up is the first vacant staging Stage a Star did of 2008. It was an adorable starter home on the west side of Cincinnati. The Realtor had done a little staging herself but after being on the market for close to a year, she was smart enough to bring in the big guns (that would be us, Stage a Star...smile) to stage it so it would appeal to that particular demographic of buyers...20's professional, 1st time buyer. The other fun twist to this first staging of the year was the opportunity to mentor 2 great ladies from Ft.Wayne, Indiana, Gina Zimmerman and Hannah Picotte. One thing we all learned that day was assembling furniture on the job site is HARD!

The house was under contract within 30 days! A great way to start off 2008 I'd say!

My favorite "outdated" makeover I blogged about last January: "Grandma's Bathroom gets a Makeover!" This is a great example of how you can take a very "dated" space, add some decorative accessories and professional photography and make a dramatic improvement. Even I was amazed that this bathroom from the early 80's could look so good.
The staging worked for this property too! After a year on the market, it was under contract in just 90 days and sold during the winter months.

Moving into summer of 2008, Stage a Star had the opportunity to stage an adorable house in the cool east side suburb of Cincinnati called Mariemont.
I can honestly say I ADORED this home. I love houses from the 40's with all their character and charm. After we staged this beauty, it was under contract in 30 days.

I have 2 "Selling Feature" Staging favorites. The first would have to be the window seat in a home we staged back in the Spring. The house had been on the market for 6 months with only 1 showing. After it was staged, it was under contract in just 10 days! Blog: "A Charming Window Seat: Make it an Irresistible Selling Feature Buyers will Love!"

The other favorite "Selling Feature" staging was my "Martha Stewart Stylin' in a Vacant Master Bath" I REALLY enjoyed this one! The property is still on the market and the agent said the staging has made all the difference with the feedback she is receiving vs. poor feedback prior to staging.

And I'll end it here with the last staging of the 2008 year. This one was staged the week before Christmas. What an AWESOME renovation in this charming house in Cincinnati's "Norwood" area.

It was fun to look back and see all of Stage a Star's staging projects of 2008 and remember the clients and stories behind each home. I'd like to think we played a big part in the behind the scenes of preparing the homes prior to their successful sales. I can't help but smile to think of all the clients we worked with in 2008 and how they have been able to "move on" with their new lives. It might have been a transfer to a new state, a bigger house, downsizing, retirement, or a divorce. I wish them much happiness as I picture them settled into their new surroundings and very much looking forward to a New Year.

Here's wishing you a very Happy and Blessed New Year 2009!!! If you currently have a home or investment property to sell or will be preparing to sell in 2009, please think of Stage a Star and give us a call. We look forward to working with you in 2009!

One of the busiest weeks of 2008: Stage a Star's latest Property Transformations

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 06:31:33 -0600

Whew! What a week! Stage a Star has been very busy as we've staged 3 vacant houses this week and still one to go. We also De-Staged 2 properties & a few Consultations as well. If someone had told me I'd be this busy the week before Christmas, I would have laughed and said "No Way!" But in this business, I've found that you just never know your schedule and how busy you'll be from one week to the next. I am grateful for all the business we've received this year.

I still have Christmas shopping to do, a family Christmas this weekend & a huge family dinner I host on Christmas Eve. I'm thinking once its all said and done, I'll get to sleep in the day after Christmas. Come to think of it, I may sleep all day!

Here's a sneak peek of some of the properties we've completed with 1 more to go.

Proactive Sellers STAGE & sell in just 7 days: Check this out!

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:08:24 -0600

Proactive definition:
“tending to initiate change rather than reacting to events”

Isn’t this definition so true when it comes to selling your home? How many times do we
see the story play out where sellers and their agents put the property up for sale and it sits
for months and months without an offer? The only solution is price reductions to get it
sold in a depressed market, right? This puts the seller right smack in the “reacting” mode
with their hard earned equity at stake!

In my business, I walk into a lot of homes that are wonderful. I see past the clutter, loud
paint colors & wallpaper and see the great potential that isn’t being demostrated. Some-
times a home needs a lot of help but the majority I see just needs to be “refreshed”so that
the home’s features stand out & buyers can finally “see” what a great house it is!

I love Proactive Sellers! Stage a Star had the opportunity to work with a seller that was
positve and ready to do everything to get their home sold. They had previously had it on
the market last year with no luck in selling it. After 84 days, they gave up and put a renter
in the home. When the lease was up, they were ready to try again. Only this time, the
market was in worse shape than before & it was going to take doing things differently if
the house was to sell.

After the initial consultation where we recommended the right paint colors & minor
repairs, the homeowner got right to work. Once the recommendations were complete, it
was time to stage. The homeowner had some of their own furniture they were willing
to use so this always helps to keep costs down. Stage a Star brought in our decorative
accessories, artwork & plants to add to the larger furniture pieces.

Once the staging was complete, our professional photographer Jenny Walters took the
photos which were sent to the listing agent. The home was listed and UNDER CONTRACT
IN 7 DAYS!!!

I love happy endings! Here’s what our happy homeowner had to
say about working with Stage a Star:

“I was recommended to use Teresa and Stage a Star from a friend who recently sold her home.
I was amazed at the consultation price and called Teresa right away. I knew that in this market
I needed to have a competitive edge against the tremendous amount of other homes in my
area currently on the market.

A year before we had tried to sell our home. I thought that my decorating style and ability to
take photos would be sufficient enough to show off the character and likeableness of my home.
But after Teresa had a consultation with us and told us what to repaint and then staged the
house and the photographer took the photos, I was truly amazed at the difference. My home in
Cheviot looked like a model home. My friends and family continued to ask me why I was
moving out of this now gorgeous home.

I knew that Teresa had made the difference. And the evidence is clear after my house sold
within the first month. I can’t thank her enough. ”

Julie Woedl
Cheviot

Here are the Before/After Pictures of this successful staging project:

Sellers invest in a Staging Consultation and sell in 25 days! They work...they really do!

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:55:25 -0600

I am constantly amazed at what a seller can accomplish with a staging "plan" and specific instructions when it comes to preparing and staging their house.

Stage a Star was contacted a few months back by this homeowner looking for staging help. the seller wanted to do most of the work themselves except they weren't sure where to start. Our Staging Consultation "One Simple Step Toward SOLD!" was the perfect solution for them.

We were THRILLED to hear that they were under contract in just 25 days after listing even in this very challenging market!

Here's what our happy homeowner had to say about working with Stage a Star:

Editing, Re-arranging, Re-purposing the Loft area and Adding key accessories to various rooms was the bulk of the "To Do" List to get this home ready for the Cincinnati real estate market.

Here's a few Before & After pictures:

Winter Welcome: Stage Warm & Cozy Spaces for the Winter Season Ahead

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:21:27 -0600

Gather 'round the Hearth: If you've got a fireplace, now is the time to take full advantage of it. There is nothing better than a warm glowing fire to add beauty and sparkle to a room during the winter months. Make sure to always have a fire going during your Open House and showings if possible. With a glowing fire, buyers can imagine themselves curled up with a good book and drink as they relax fireside.

Warm it up with Candles: Candles are wonderful throughout the year but are especially beautiful during the winter months. This is the time when you can use lots of candles in the key rooms to really add warmth and set the mood. Use groups of candles in various heights and odd numbers (3’s & 5’s work great) and display them on the dining room, an entry or coffee table, bedside in the master, or in the master bath by the tub.

Layer those rooms: Just like we add warm sweaters to our wardrobe this time of year, adding a few layers to our rooms brings about a warm, cozy feel that just feels great. Add a larger rug under the dining or kitchen table and coffee table to warm floors up. Create a cozier space in the living and family rooms by adding colorful pillows with texture for a punch of color & interest. Think bolder shades like reds, browns, blues, or black & white. This is a great time to find inexpensive pillows that have a lot of style and are just right for the winter season. Don’t forget those warm and furry throws! Add a few to the sofa or chair. Roll several up in large basket by the fireplace.

It makes Scents: Now that we have a glowing fire, beautiful candles spread throughout the home, cozy layers of pillows and throws…it makes sense to add a warm and inviting scent to complete this welcoming winter picture. Scents such as cinnamon, vanilla or another “warm” aroma are the perfect choice for this time of year. Add an oil ring within a lamp, a plug in, potpourri or a candle in key rooms. Scents should never overpower but be very subtle throughout the home especially when selling.

Deck the Halls: With the holidays fast approaching, remember to take a simplistic approach to holiday decorating when selling. It's true that most houses never looked so good as they do during this time of year but resist the urge to display everything you've got. When selling this year, it may not be a good idea to unpack and display that 50+ Village collection. There is a balance when it comes to holiday decorating. Let a few choice pieces accent the rooms but never distract and overpower the selling features. There will be serious buyers looking now and they still need to "see" the house and not get overwhelmed and side tracked by the beautiful decorations. .

Article written by Teresa Meyer, Owner & Lead Designer at Stage A Star, a professional home staging company in Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Want to know more about our STAGING SERVICES....Visit our website at www.stageastar.com

Website is temporary down...www.stageastar.com

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:07:25 -0600

UPDATE: Okay...we are back up and running! :) Thanks for your patience.

For those of you trying to access our website www.stageastar.com, we are temporary down due to server issues. We hope to be back up as soon as possible. Of course in the world of technology, there is always computer issues it seems.

So until then, if you need information about our services or to schedule a consultation or staging, please call me directly at 513-379-5488 or email teresameyer@fuse.net

To view our profile and "BEST" After photos, please visit www.activerain.com/stageastar.

Check out our blog for staging tips as well as info on our latest staging projects and successes at www.activerain.com/blogs/stageastar

We hope to have our website up and running shortly!

Warm Regards,

Teresa

Accessory Staging sells this home in just 7 days after being on the market 12 months!

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:06:51 -0500

What a wonderful success story we have to share with you! Our homeowner contacted Stage a Star after being referred to us by their Realtor. They had already been on the market for a year with no offers. What made it even worse was that the homeowners were paying on 3 mortgages!

The House: This was a GREAT house with over 3000 sq.ft., a finished walkout basement with a full kitchen and on a gorgeous wooded lot in a quiet established neighborhood. This was the perfect home for a family!

The Challenge: The homeowner had left all of the existing furniture in the home so the problem wasn't an empty house. The problem was the furniture. A very dated 1980's look was in every room and awkward furniture arrangements made some important rooms confuse potential buyers in how to use the space. The family room was a long great room with a beautiful new wetbar. The fireplace was offset so the way the furniture was arranged made this space very undesirable. Feedback time and time again was the house was "too dated" and "too much work".

Staging Solution: Using most of the existing furniture and Stage a Star's extensive inventory of "decorative accessories", we got right to work "updating" the look and feel of this home. Using slipcovers, adding window treatments, and beautiful staging props transformed these rooms. Creating a strategic furniture arrangement in the family room highlighted selling features such as the fireplace and wet bar and gave potential buyers the visual cues needed in HOW to use the space.

Success: SOLD! Once the house was staged, the homeowners relisted it as a new listing and it was under contract in just 7 days!! Staging made all the difference in getting this beautiful home sold quickly!

I will add that I took the "After" pictures instead of my professional photographer, Jenny so bare with me that the photo quality/angles don't look as good.

A special thank you to Teresa Mills-Schremm of Looking Fine by Redesign for your advice on the family room arrangement! Your input was right on!

Our "Ready..Set..SOLD!" package...such a hit, we've extended the SALE!

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:28:17 -0500

Stage a Star is pleased to announce that we are extending the sale on our "Ready..Set..SOLD!" package! It's been a big hit as many homeowners and Realtors have taken advantage of the sale in the past month.

Have you been on the market for awhile with little interest? Are you close to putting the house on the market now or in the near future? Are you sure you've done everything that will make your house stand out from the fierce competition?

Our Staging Consultation with Professional Real Estate Photos are powerful marketing tools that can help you successfully sell your home faster in this slow market. Are you ready to give home staging a try?

Hurry...our SALE ends November 15th!

Stage a Star's latest Staged Vacant Property in Northern Kentucky-Cincinnati Home Staging

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:31:48 -0500

Stage a Star had the opportunity to stage a beautiful new custom cape cod style home in Northern Kentucky. Located in Edgewood, Ky., this cul de sac home sits on a gorgeous wooded lot. When I first viewed this vacant home, I fell in love with the dark wood floors and staircase as well as the cathedral ceilings and soaring entryway.

The staging really enhanced the selling features of the home and I have high hopes it will be a quick sale! I'll will be back with before/after pictures soon....it made such a huge difference.

Our photographer partner, Jenny Walters shot this home and did such a fantastic job! Thanks Jenny...you always capture just the right angles that showcases each room!

If you currently have a home or listing that is vacant....consider having it professionally staged by Stage a Star. A picture is worth a thousand words!....View our Portfolio and see the difference staging can make!

Martha Stewart Stylin' in a Vacant Master Bath.....

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:16:45 -0500

I wrote a blog awhile back "Staging Martha Stewart Style" and this past weekend Stage a Star had the opportunity to do just that! This was a vacant property and in the master bath was open shelving....a prime candidate for Martha Stewart stylin'!! When I walked into the bathroom during the first initial visit and spotted those shelves, I was excited! (I secretly couldn't WAIT to get my staging hands on that space!)

The Realtor had told me that it was awkward without any doors but the homeowner/builder designed it that way because he visualized the open shelving as convenient to put all your stuff on. Both were correct. "Awkward" because empty, the space felt un-finished and potential buyers just couldn't see passed that. "Convenient" yes....the open concept could definetly be a great selling feature if presented the right way.

A little Martha Stewart stylin' and.....Oh my! I think the staging made all the difference in this little spot!

Staging Seminar Sept.24th....Join Us!

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:33:02 -0500

Stage a Star has once again partnered with Inverness-Brighton Homes to bring you "Set the Stage with Home Staging"....a FREE Home Staging Seminar here in the Cincinnati area. It is going to be located in Liberty Twp in the Summerlin community in Inverness' beautiful Sinclair model.

If you've been dreaming of a new home....currently have a house on the market....getting ready to put your house up for sale...or are a Realtor with clients that could benefit, this is the Seminar for YOU!

To get your E-Card....go to Home Staging Seminar, Cincinnati, Oh. to print off your copy. Bring the card with you for FREE admission and a chance to win some GREAT prizes!!

Hope to see you there! If you have questions...please email me!

End of Summer SALE! Check out our Ready..Set..SOLD package!

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:33:29 -0500

If you've been thinking about working with a professional Stager to help prepare and stage your home....you don't have to think about it any further! Have we got an AWESOME deal for you!

Our exclusive "Ready..Set..SOLD Package" will get your house "model home" perfect and photographed beautifully and ready for buyers to fall in love with and make that offer! But hurry and schedule your appointment soon...the sale ends September 15th!

Home Staging in Cincinnati: One Simple Step toward SOLD!

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:23:25 -0500

As a professional Accredited Home Staging company here in Cincinnati, one of the services we specialize in is the Staging Consultation. Not only do we work with Sellers directly, but we also have many Realtors we partner with that offer the consultation as part of their overall marketing plan.

A Staging Consultation is a very effective marketing tool when preparing your house for sale. Making the decision to invest in a staging consultation is much like investing in a home inspection or appraisal as part of the whole buying/selling process. The small investment you make in the presentation of your home will reap big returns when you sell your house faster and for the most money.

Time and time again, we've seen the dramatic difference a few hours with a professional Home Stager can make along with a solid "plan" to follow. Part of the "plan" includes professional recommendations like painting/paint colors, ideas on updating, furniture arrangements, editing, de-personalizing, identifying key selling features, downplaying any negatives, along with curb appeal ideas and suggestions.

Whether you are planning to put your house on the market in the future, are a new listing or have been on the market for quite some time....your house can benefit from Staging! The Staging Consultation is One Simple step toward SOLD!

Read more about our successful Staging Consultations:

Staging Success: This beautiful home SOLD in just 46 days after staging!

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:16:38 -0500

Here at Stage a Star....we've been very busy these days DE-staging the homes we've been staging in Cincinnati because they are SOLD!

We were thrilled to hear the news that this beautiful home in the suburbs of Symmes Twp SOLD in just 46 days! The homeowner called Stage a Star prior to putting the home on the market. Her main concern was the living and dining room areas because there was no furniture in these spaces. We were able to bring in the neccessary furnishings to give it that WOW! factor it lacked. In the rest of the house, we worked with the homeowners own furniture adding our own inventory of decorative accessories and artwork. It had a huge visual impact!

After the house was staged, we brought in our professional photographer, Jenny Walters, who did a fabulous job with the photos! The professional photographs are always included in our full service stagings. The photos are sent to the listing Realtor to use for the MLS online photos and all the other print advertising.

Check out the Before and After's and witness the powerful marketing tools of
Professional Staging & Photos!
SOLD in just 46 days!

Flashback Friday: Summer of 1980...What were you doing? I was Staging!

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:03:38 -0500

I thought I'd do a little Flashback Friday..... .....

Since I eat, breathe, and sleep "staging" nowadays...I started wondering where it might of began? Thinking back....it took me to the Summer of 1980. My parents were building our new home. And when I say that...I mean they were really building it. My mother was the acting contractor and my dad built it with his own hands. The subject of "house" was all consuming that summer. So I guess that is why my sister and I were obsessed with playing barbies and setting up our own "houses" for them.

Now we played barbies a little different than most. We only owned a few barbies....actually they were "Darcy" barbies. My sister Becki got the blonde and I had the brunette (secretly I thought MINE was more beauiful, of course). We had one car to share and some barbie clothes and shoes.

One day we decided we'd had enough playing with their hair and it was time to build them a HOUSE. We spent the next hour planning out their rooms and how cool everything would look. We just had one problem.... we didn't have a barbie house OR furniture (although we wanted one badly).

So...what's a girl to do? We got CREATIVE! (the little stager in me is BORN!)

We headed out to our house that was under construction and started looking around for "stuff" to use. I swiped several of my dad's plastic drawer holder thingys...you know...these.

I took all the drawers out (they were several different sizes) and started making beds, sofas, chairs, and tables with them. I raided the linen closet of all the washclothes so we could have bedspreads and curtains. By this time, we're on a roll. We've got this plastic drawer furniture spread all over the living room. ( It's a good thing Dad had a TON of these organizers although he wasn't too happy later to discover his nails and screws were dumped out.)

Once the rooms were completed....it was time to set the dining table. Because we lacked any barbie dishes, we had to improvise. I grabbed bottle caps for plates and used Play-dough for the fake food. Add a nice dandelion for the centerpiece. Ahhh...perfection!

It took us ALL DAY to design this masterpiece so by the time it was done and ready for the barbies....well...we didn't want to play with them. The fun was in the staging! We continued to play this way the rest of that summer and for years after that.

Soooo....what were you doing the Summer of 1980?

Here's a little flashback music for your listening pleasure.....#1 the Summer of 1980!

Home Staging in Cincinnati: Stage a Star's newest staged property in Welbourne Manor/Liberty Twp. OH.

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:44:14 -0500

home staging cincinnati, cincinnati real estate, homes for sale liberty twp, ohio, mary iliff, stage a star

Here is one of our latest properties we've staged here at Stage a Star.

I LOVE this floorplan....it's so family friendly with the open kitchen to the family room and plenty of space at the eat in counter. You can def. get 5 bar stools in there.

There's a fantastic screened in porch off of the family room with its very own porch swing.

What was also really cool about staging this home was that it's located in my own neighborhood, Welbourne Manor in Liberty Twp.

We moved into this awesome neighborhood almost 5 years ago and LOVE it! It's a smaller subdivision with about 153 homes but what sets Welbourne apart is its "character". All the homes are full brick, matching mailboxes ( I know...but it's the little things that make the neighborhood look so nice), awesome pool and tennis court, and mature trees that are just beautiful.

The neighborhood is very kid friendly and you won't find a nicer bunch of down to earth folks to chat with! This is an active neighborhood close to the Libery Park with easy access to the bike trail. Driving through the neighborhood in the evening...you'll see many out walking their dogs or families taking a bike ride. It's peaceful, relaxing, and yes...it does feel like "home".

Call Mary Anytime! 513-518-8196

5659 Somerset Drive, Liberty Twp, OH 45011 View Map

A Home For All Seasons! Enjoy The Enclosed Porch & Lush Large Backyard! This Custom Built 4 Bedroom Brick Home Has A 2 Story Entry With Front And Back Staircases! Some of Its Many Amenities Include Beautiful Hardwood Floors In Entry And Kitchen, Formal Living & Dining Room And Spacious Study. The Family Room Has A Gas Fireplace For Those Cozy Winter Evenings With A Walkout Onto The Enclosed Porch! The Kitchen Offers Cabinets Galore, A Center Island And A Sunny Breakfast Area That Overlooks The Serene Back Yard, Plus A Convient 1st Floor Laundry Too! The Large Master Suite Has Cathedral Ceilings With A Huge Walk-In Closet And A Gorgeous Deluxe Bath. Great Open Floor Plan That Is Absolutely Perfect for Entertaining! The Lower Level Has Been Professionally Finished And Offers 35 X 33 Family- Sized Recreation Room With Full Bath And Playroom! Approx. 3877 Sq Ft. Of Living Space. Oversized 3 Car Side Entry Garage. This Home Is Located In A Pool Community And Is Only Quick Walk To The Pool & Tennis Courts.

Details

Asking Price:

$300,000

MLS:

1135700

Sq. Feet:

3877

Lot Size:

95 x 91

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

3.5

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

$25.00

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Welbourne Manor

Year Built:

1992

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Mary Iliff and the "I" Team

Main 513-860-6480
Cell 513-518-8196
Dir 513-860-6480 ext 10
Email | Website

Teresa Meyer
RES Home Staging Group
5674 Chancery Place
Liberty Twp, AL 45011
5133795488
Email | Website

Look who I bumped into at Extreme Makeover Home Edition in Cincinnati!

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:28:49 -0500

What an awesome day! (Extreme Makeover Home Edition in Cincinnati: I'm volunteering tomorrow!")

To be a part of it was really cool! Not only was it amazing to see how fast this house was built....it's beautiful inside and out!

Just thought I'd share some pictures and show you who I bumped into while I was there!

Paige (one of the designers for Extreme Makeover) is a real sweetheart...and of course, decked out in her pink tool belt!

This is the ranch style house being built...it's about 3500 square feet. There's an inground pool in the backyard.

To read more about the Akers Family...click here.
To see the latest video/news: Extreme Makeover Home Edition West Chester, OH.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition in Cincinnati...I'm volunteering tomorrow!

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:34:02 -0500

After 25,000 letters (yes...25K!) asking EXTREME MAKEOVER HOME EDITION to help a well deserving family......that family got the knock on their door July 9th. They are the Akers family from West Chester, Ohio (a suburb of Cincinnati) and where I live.

This has been so exciting and amazing how fast this beautiful home is going up! I will be volunteering tomorrow (Tuesday) for the 6am-Noon shift. It is going to be so cool to actually be a part of this for a very special family!

The big reveal will be July 17th (Thursday) and I'm planning to be there yelling "MOVE THAT BUS!!" with everyone else! I can't wait to see the look on the Akers' faces when they see their new home....what a blessing!

I wonder if I'll be able to sleep tonight....I think I get to keep the t-shirt...LOL! Hopefully I'll see Ty, Paige, David, and Paul!

To read more about the Akers Family...click here.
To see the latest video/news: Extreme Makeover Home Edition West Chester, OH.

Home Staging in Cincinnati: 10 Tips on Staging your home to sell

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:15:29 -0500

"Home Staging in Cincinnati: 10 Tips on Staging your home to sell"

This is a great article I came across that I wanted to share!

It's titled "10 Tips on Staging your home to sell"

The Top 10 list:

De-clutter
Be a neat freak!
Hide the sword collection
Search and Destroy odors
Spend the money where it counts: out front
Use fresh flowers
Make it "current"
Think spacious
Think vignettes
Lighten up

And a big question: Should I hire a professional stager and how much should you spend on preparing your home?
The article gives some good guidelines to follow and remember staging costs will vary depending where you are located.

Read "10 Tips on Staging your home to sell" in its entirety by clicking on the title link.