Should I stage a house that is being sold at auction?

It depends on the type of auction and the buyers you expect. For real estate auctions aimed at investors, the focus is often on location, structure and price, and full staging may not be needed. A clean, decluttered home is still important.

For auctions that attract owner-occupant buyers, light staging can help them picture living there, especially in photos that market the sale. Open houses before the auction give buyers a chance to inspect, and a well presented home may draw more interest and bidders.

Talk with the auction company about their marketing, buyer profile and timeline, as well as any rules about preview days. Real estate auction requirements vary by state, so follow your auctioneer's guidance and get professional advice as needed. Auction companies can be found in the BidBuySmart directory.