Dear Jean and Richard, Do you have any tips for staging a house before putting it on the market for sale? –Ed, Asheville

Richard: Hi Ed, and thanks for asking, because we have some strong opinions on this subject. First, the term “staging” suggests some form of theatrics that is meant to create an ideal setting for presentation. Though it may be a valid concept to make the most of a home’s interior before it is offered for sale, the idea can also be taken too far. To us, some “professional” staging looks like the interior of a builder home model, and offers no sense of homeowner personality. Staging is OK to show order and good taste, but the results shouldn’t look like a cold store display.

Jean: Well, of course the purpose is to allow potential buyers to see the actual house rather than the seller’s taste, but that can usually be accomplished by getting rid of clutter. It’s usually not necessary to paint everything beige so people can imagine their own furniture in it. Simply boxing up and storing the teapot collection may be enough.

Richard: Not that we’re suggesting you have a teapot collection, Ed. Jean is right, though. Get rid of—or at least hide—what’s not necessary to live comfortably from day to day, especially if you are marketing your home while still living in it. This “less is more” idea allows the interior to look more open, demonstrating that there is sufficient elbow room and flow throughout the house.

Jean: Let’s go back to the paint. I will admit that you may want to tone down a bright wall color if the wall needs paint anyway. What irks me is the notion of dulling the color palette as if that will automatically make your home more appealing. Another way of looking at it may be how color could enhance the appeal of a dull home!

Richard: Here are some things to do that are just as important for preparing your home as re-painting. First—as we have already said—eliminate clutter. Second, make sure the house is always clean. Third, make the entrance sparkle (the first impression philosophy.) Fourth, clean your closets. Fifth, if you have pets, make sure the lawn is free of evidence and any odor is minimized. Sixth—and this sounds corny, but it’s effective—display fresh flowers.

Jean: Ooo—that’s good! I like the flowers. That’s a nice idea even if you’re not selling your home!

Richard: And then there’s the ridiculous absurdities you see on T.V – baking cookies, hiring actors to play your family and lighting candles everywhere. Just kill me!

Jean: The best tip on staging your home is to just remember to subtract rather than add. Subtract the clutter, the dirt, the smells, the cat hair, and the weeds along the driveway. The place needs to look as if you are proud of it and a person with high standards lives there. If your child’s room is bright yellow, it’s more important to subtract the concert posters on the door than it is to add new paint to the walls. And you don’t need to hire a professional to do this. Trust your realtor’s opinion. Good luck!