With more homes for sale in the dalles and dallesport area, making it more difficult to  your  homes promptly and at a fair price. In addition, today's buyers are growing bolder in their demands - and growing bored with what they see.

So how do you make sure your home don't get lost in the shuffle? Try "power staging" - changing just a few key elements in a home in a short amount of time, for the most impact. Consider these latest tips to use power staging to your advantage.

1. Leverage a lifestyle theme. This can help buyers see themselves in the home - reading a book in the living room, cooking a gourmet meal and so on. According to Staging101.com  the key is to accessorize rooms and set a mood that matches the personality of the home and the lifestyle of likely buyers. For instance, if you're home is a cozy bungalow, set the dining table for an informal, intimate dinner for two; if it's a formal Victorian, set a more elaborate table with elegant china.

2. Clear the clutter. Countertops, cabinets, closets, garages, basements and attics are technically storage spaces. But potential buyers can be distracted by your belongings. Purge the home of anything not used every day; a rented off-site storage unit can temporarily hold the excess.

3. Generate grander spaces. Less furniture makes spaces seem larger, remove what's not necessary. Improve traffic flow, too. Some experts recommend "floating" furniture away from walls and into the center of rooms to make areas feel more open and appealing.

4. Reap the rewards of replacements. Replacing items like curtains and blinds, doorknobs, cabinet and drawer handles, lampshades and throw pillows can update a home instantly, according to Karen Tibbets' Orlando Home Staging blog. Replacing rugs (and even bath and kitchen towels) can make a quick difference, as well.

5. Be careful with color. According to professional stager Craig Schiller, wallpaper is out and paint is in. So strip out wallpaper and paint walls with neutral colors like beige, taupe or soft green. Experts recommend staying away from white or bold-colored walls.

6. Light the way. Avoid dim, harsh or cold lighting. Aim for warm and balanced lighting in a combination of sizes and locations. Let natural light in whenever possible. That means crystal-clear windows,  thoroughly clean and remove screens if necessary.

7. Finish with floral. Indoor flowers and plants are must-have staging tools, according to experts, since they tend to soften and add life to rooms. Aside from the familiar bouquet on the dining table, consider placing flowers or greenery in the entryway, bedrooms and bathrooms. Small pots of herbs work well in the kitchen.

More Information
Be sure to check out some of the industry's most popular blogs on the topic, including Home Staging Rants and Ravings  HGTV.com also has a great list of tips. You can find examples of staging successes at ActiveRain.com.