"Hiring someone to prepare your home so it makes a good impression on buyers can pay off.

The spring home-sales season is almost upon us, and it's time for sellers to prepare the merchandise. You probably know that your property needs to be as clean, clutter-free and in as good repair as possible, inside and out. But you can further distinguish your home from the competition by having your home staged -- or window-dressed -- for sale.

Professional stagers can see your house as buyers will, and they'll set the scene so that buyers can imagine living there. SEE OUR SLIDE SHOW for examples. They're likely to simplify or streamline the furniture in a room for better traffic flow and to enhance its spaciousness. They may neutralize a too-personal color scheme or add touches of color or accessories where needed. In vacant homes that feel cold and lack visual landmarks, stagers often bring in rental furniture and create "vignettes," say, a seating area in front of the fireplace..."