It has been said that the way you live in a house is different than the way you sell a house, and therefore adjustments are essential. Most realtors agree that staging is everything these days. Expect to get a lot more for your home when your house is de-cluttered, clean, and staged to sell. You wouldn't go to a job interview in your gardening clothes, and you don't want to show your home until it is in it's best light too. There is more competition in the market these day, and your house needs to compete. Another consideration where staging is essential is when a home is vacant. Buyers have become savvy to the vacant home and will regularly offer considerably less, thinking that the seller "has to sell." The assumption of duress can cost a seller in these cases. Even if you don't need to sell your home. So if you are forced to leave your home prior to obtaining a purchase and sale contract, take as much personal belongings a possible but leave your home looking tidy, open and lived in. Most realtors can assist with staging, but there are companies that will consult, store belongings, host garage sales, and even rent furniture and accessories when needed. It's not always cheap, but the alternative can cost more.    « less