There are many forms of staging, each with different levels of investment, and different results. Staging is a broad term, and can really refer to any editing a home undergoes for the purpose of selling faster and for more money. Let's detail a few directions staging can take:

Bare Bones Basic - A lived in home may be comfortable to the occupants, but to a buyer, it can feel like someone else's space. In addition, even the smallest amount of clutter can make a room feel smaller; a death-wish in the world of Real Estate. Do it yourself or hire someone, but clear it out! Counters and walls should be clear, with the exception of a few well placed objects d'art and accessories. Inside and out, the idea is to reduce, reduce, and reduce! Price Range: FREE - $500 / $600 depending on the size of property.

The Professional Touch - Hiring a stager can be a great way to get a professional look in your home, while still using your own furniture and accessories to keep the budget within reason. A capable home stager can work miracles with a minimal budget. They can help you clear out clutter, rearrange your furniture with an expert eye, bring in accessories to modernize your home, and fill in the blanks where necessary. The sky is the limit, and the investment should depend on a) your budget and, b) your home's specific needs. You can hire a stager to work solely with what you have in the house, or you can allow them to bring in any number of items to attain the desired results. Your stager should be able to give you options to choose from, and list the pros and cons of each selection. Price range: $500 and up Median price: $1000 or less

Full On Furniture - Ah, the beauty of a model home. It's what we aspire to when we imagine a new home, and it's the way we would all like to live, which is why staging works in the first place. Hiring a stager to bring in furniture can transform a home dramatically. Your stager may bring in furniture from their own inventory, or they may rent it from a professional furniture rental company. Depending on the company you choose, you may also end up with monthly rental fees. Be sure to ask ahead of time. Price Range: $1500-$3000 for the average home

No matter which options you consider, staging is the most valuable tool at your disposal as it allows you to put your best foot forward. Taking a more thoughtful approach, we realize that a staged home sells something much bigger than a house; a staged home sells a lifestyle that your buyers can't forget as they shop the competition.

It's not necessarily how much you invest, only that you do. Even if time is all you have, invest it in your home, and you are sure to reap the benefits.