1. First, and foremost, staging is the realization that the 'home' has become inventory to be sold and it is the function of the homeowner, the real estate agent and stager, as a team, to represent the home in the best possible way to the buying public. The goal is to address any issues before they become a negative to a prospective buyer.    

2.  Home staging is about clean, smelling clean, (no pet odors or smoking odors)      clean bathrooms and kitchen floors , countertops and fixtures  ,including light fixtures 

3. Staging is all about getting as much light into the house as possible, open shades and curtains and flood with natural light, then accent with lighting 

4. Color is very important and the overall feel of the color scheme should be  harmonious throughout the house, and new paint is always a plus, especially to lighten up the house 

5. Small repairs , and replacements , like plumbing fixtures, light fixtures are inexpensive and add to the appeal of a home 

6. Updated furnishings always add to the appeal of a home and have a direct impact on first impressions. 

7. Maximize focal points in the home such as fireplaces, large windows, open spaces 

8. Furniture placement to maximize the flow of a house is very important, blocked traffic flow is detrimental to a first impression 

9. De-cluttering a home means adding equity by adding space that can be seen by a prospective buyer.  When wall hangings are minimized, collections are removed and space is opened up the house appears bigger 

10. De-personalizing is important so that they buyer can see themselves living in the home with their own furnishings.  Large and small photos are personal and block a buyer's ability to visualize living in the home themselves.