When presented with a home to stage for sale, there is always the question: How far do I take it?  Currently I am working on a home that needs a lot of work to draw the potential price tag it deserves.  The only hurdle is the homeowner and lack of funds.  In such a situation I have to ask myself, how much does this house REALLY need to get the price it warrants and what do I let go of in my creative vision.  I'm not sure if this dillema faces all stagers or just those of us who do both Interior Decorating and Staging.   I try to focus on the main areas of the house:  kitchen and bathrooms.  In my current staging project, it is the main bathroom that needs a total overhaul.  The location and size of the property really deserves a total makeover in the bathroom.  There is water damage that can be concealed but should it be or should it be replaced?  If replacing it takes from the budget of the new floor which do you choose?  Do you replace that old tub and tile or just reglaze it and get a fresh new look?  Chances are the new owners will eventually remodel it from scratch but what needs to be done in the meantime to sell at a price the owner is happy with as well as keep the buyer from thinking they need to gut it immediately?  My choice was to repair as much as the budget allows, reglaze the tub and wall tile in glossy white, acrylic panel over the tile on the walls surrounding the tub.  New tile floor (previously carpet...YUCK), new countertop, sink and faucet and light fixture.  Preserve the original vanity and paint it, preserve that great big bland mirror and put a sophisticated frame on it.  Replace the toilet and replace those ugly old glass sliding shower doors with a curved rod and great fabric curtain.  Strip the wallpaper and put in a serene soft colour on the walls.  We are midway through the project and the improvement is better already.  I feel the right choices have been made and will impact the sale positively.  All within a very tight budget! I plan to post pics when the project is completed. 

I would like to hear from the rest of the staging community as to any tips and tricks they have picked up over the years in case I encounter a similar one.  Thanks for sharing!