Staging a home?

I'm often asked if staging a home is necessary before a house goes on the market.
In our area, around three quarters of the houses we show are now staged. This is not a fad, but an expectation by clients looking for a townhouse selling for more than half a million dollars, or for homes that are a million or more.
They are conditioned to seeing a property in prime condition and free of clutter, and are disappointed when they enter a bare, vacant house, or one that has that "lived-in" look.
In a fast market, these less appealing properties will still sell, but having me arrange to "dress the house for success" for you will bring top dollar and be well worth the expense.