I'm looking to sell my home, but have friends who suggested hiring a professional home stager to help with the open house. Are there any reasons why I should do this?

An open house is about more than no dirty dishes in the sink or cobwebs in the corner, its about creating interest in your home. Stagers use lighting, accessories and other tools to create interest in your home naturally. Adding plants, mirrors, accent pillows, and other "pretty" touches can make the home look pleasurable and more than just functional. People buy with more than just the intention of putting a roof over their head so you need to appeal to their emotions as well. Bowls of fruit in the kitchen, baskets of bath soaps/salts/towels in the bathroom, and potted plants on the patio allow a potential buyer to imagine the home's potential.