Home staging assists sellers.

• Position: Real Estate

When it comes to selling your house in an increasingly competitive home market these days, the old real estate adage "location, location, location" is taking on new meaning. Staging the optimal location of the furniture and other items in the seller's home usually makes a difference between a sale or no sale. Home staging specialists say there are ways to succeed while other home sellers are struggling.

"Edit, reduce clutter, and rearrange existing furniture," advises Dana Dickey, vice director of Interior Redesign Industry Specialists. Chicago. This is what industry insiders have termed "staging"--the process of preparing and cleaning a home to make it more marketable to potential homebuyers. "It's a fairly simple process," notes Dickey. "It's also cost-effective. Homeowners ... are amazed at how the look of their home can dramatically improve with just a little assistance."

Interior redesigners tailor their staging services to meet the needs of homeowners based on the individuals' budget and desired level of assistance. Some have no problem with organization, for example, yet need help with the exterior of their home to create more curb appeal. Others seek professional aid...