With the sagging economy selling your home isn't easy.
How would you like to sell your home in less than a third of the time.
Well, Realtors say you can.
It's called staging, which is just simply preparing your house for sale.
We went through an area home to find out exactly what it takes.

"We had our house on the market for six months last year and um, it never worked out for us," said Homeowner, Susie Lewis.

Susie and George Lewis are giving it another go, they're putting their house back on the market and trying a new tactic.

Realtor and Home Stager, Bethany Holt said, "What staging does is you walk into that home and it stands out from the rest because its not got the clutter."

They're putting their fate in the hands of Realtors and Home Stagers, Bethany Holt and Becky Seaton.

Seaton said, "The first thing we're going to want to do is warm up this color."

Seaton says, the way you live in your house and the way you sell it are completely different.

"Stuff you're not using, you can go ahead and pack it," said Seaton.

Holt says, "That's the cheapest thing that people can do."

Homeowner George Lewis says, "We don't want to spend too much but at the same time, as long as we get a return on the investment I think it will be worth it."

Holt compares staging, to detailing your car for sale.

Holt says, "A lot of times you're looking at paint, some minor repairs, touch ups, that type of thing."

You want your home to shine.
Seaton and Holt spent weeks helping the Lewis' take down pictures, re-arrange furniture, clear clutter, and paint.

Seaton says, "You want them to see the house and not your stuff.."

A young child in the house can make home staging a little more challenging.

Holt says... "I know with James it's going to have to stay a kid friendly house."

Now, that the staging is all finished, it's time to put the Lewis' house on the market.

Susie Lewis says, "It looks good. It really has a lot of color, it has a lot of function, it's organized."

The Lewis' are excited to show their new and improved home and are optimistic this time it'll work out.

Susie Lewis says, "I'm more confident that it will sell and a bit more nervous that we're moving from the area."

Seaton and Holt say, on average homes in Warren County spend about 182 days on the market.
A staged home can sell in 60 days or less, and you don't have to spend a lot of money to do it.
Seaton says, $500 is plenty, but no matter how well your home is staged, if the price isn't right you'll still have a hard time selling.