The way someone lives in a home and the way it should be "staged" for sale are two different things.  

The staging process starts with depersonalization (removal of photos, religious symbols, kitchen convenience items, etc.) that helps the potential buyer not to be distracted by the personal effects of the current owners and instead allows them to better visualize their own things in their new home.

 

Uncluttering bookshelves, closets and rooms of non-essential items is the next step; this includes removal of most artwork hanging on walls (some of this may be rehung in different rooms).  Often walls need repainting for a fresh look or with new accent colors. Floors need cleaning/polishing or floor coverings replaced if they are worn or too soiled to be cleaned.

Then a thorough cleaning (including windows) sets the stage for rearrangement of existing furniture (usually with extensive editing) to improve traffic flow and make the rooms appear larger.  If the home is vacant furniture will have to be brought in for the primary impact rooms (frequently secondary bedrooms are not staged).

Staging give "punch" and creates a mood.  It also shows different functional uses or focus on certain detail and minimize other elements.

 

Please note that an important function of staging is as "eye candy" to be viewed first on the internet, so photography (angle, exposure, contrast, color, etc.) are very important.  Vibrant colors show up best on the internet and are more memorable than neutrals.

 

Here are typical before and after examples,

 

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Click>here for a link to the virtual tour of this Saratoga property for a more complete view.