Home staging used to be something reserved for model homes or high end properties, but no more.

In today's slower real estate market, buyer's expectations of the condition of a property have risen beyond what they were willing to accept just a few years ago. The proliferation of decorating programs seems to have enlightened clients to appreciate the esthetics of a well put together home. Whatever the reason, when listing your home for sale, expect to impress by cleaning, de-cluttering and accessorizing or you will pay at the bottom line.

In a survey of 2,000 homes conducted by HomeGain.com it was found that cleaning and de-cluttering increased the sales price by an average of $2,500. Staging a property increased the value by 6.9 percent over properties that weren't staged.

Don't misunderstand — staging, is not synonymous with re-decorating.

It does not mean that you will start knocking out walls and putting in granite and tile. It means that you should start off by packing anything that has not been in use during the last month — anything smaller than the size of a football — or anything that obviously is not part of the image that you are trying to convey. What you really are selling is not the foundation and drywall of a house; it is the lifestyle that you portray. It may be convenient for you to drop off your surfboards in the dinning room or hang your clothes on the exercise equipment in the bedroom, but that is not a selling feature for someone who is hoping to invest in their future.

If you do not feel you have the fashion sense to decorate a home, but you are willing to do the heavy lifting, the cost of staging is surprisingly affordable.

Professional staging costs between $500 and $1,000 for the average size home. This base price usually includes the use of items which you already have and may be augmented by accessories either purchased, rented or on loan. The price usually increases if painting or re carpeting needs to be done.

Sometimes, convincing sellers that their beloved home needs a makeover takes finesse and it can put your agent in an awkward position.

But, don't shoot the messenger when your representative tries to tell you the truth about how to maximize your selling potential.

Think of it this way: A car depreciates the minute you drive it off the lot, yet what is the first thing you do when you try to sell it? Detail it. Your home usually is your most valuable asset, so give it the same attention — detail it!

(Cristina Better is the manager of the Keller Williams Camarillo office. She can be reached at 504-8183, or send e-mail to CBetter@kw.com.)