In a word: YES.
Let me give you an example. I showed a Naperville home last summer. When we opened the front door there sat an opera chair with long black opera gloves and a red rose (fake) on it. Next, we saw that the furniture in the small living room had been moved...but the old marks in the carpet had not been removed. On the dining room table was a gigantic flower arrangement on top of some crushed velvet fabric. And, then, in the master bedroom, on the bed were 2 champagne flutes on a tray! Come on! Like, who lives like that?
My buyer and I laughed at these obvious attempts to "create a mood." And, what's so surprising is that this is a typical family oriented subdivision, where the parents would rather attend their kids' scoccer games than an expensive opera!
Now, did all this staging make us forget that there was NO backyard? Nope. Did all this staging make us forget that the kitchen was dark? Nope.
So...some advice (and remember, it's free) clean, clean and de-clutter your home. Throw out all the "junk", the old newspapers, magazines (you might even donate the magazines to your kid's art teacher, or a nursing home) and clean those light fixtures and replace those burned out bulbs, and that air intake vent.
Then see if you have too much on your walls...too many pictures, posters...and yes, too many family pictures don't permit the buyer to envision your home as his. And, if you have too much furniture? Donate it; give it away or store it.
Air your house out...no candles as too many people are allergic to those smells. And, get that kitty litter box immaculate. I shouldn't be aware of your having a cat...ever! Same for that doggy smell. Give Rover a bath!
Now, clean out your linen closets; your hall closets and your bedroom closets. Give all those extra shoes and never worn clothes away. (By the time you loose that weight, those fashions will be history...and best seen in a museum!)
And, clean up your front walkway. Buy a new welcome mat; paint the front door a warm, welcoming color; and hang a wreath on the door. Not very expensive to do...it just takes lots of time!
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Eileen: Let's see, they could have also floated rose petals in the toilet bowl, filled the champagne glasses and put bread to bake in the oven.
Good story!