Curb appeal is of course critical to home sellers.
If you don't create enough interest on the outside, potential buyers may not want to see what's on the inside.
But after you've gotten them in the door, you need to truly inspire them.
Here are five very important staging tips to do just that.

• Update your ceiling fixture.
  If you have a chandelier, make sure it's a more current style.
  That means something in nickel (brushed or shiny) or oiled bronze.
  And if your "chandelier" is only a ceiling fixture, it still needs to be updated.
  This is one of the first thing the potential buyers see when they enter, so make sure it gives them a hint (a good one) of what's to come.
  Ceiling fixtures and even chandeliers can be found inexpensively online, in big box stores, or through clearance sales.
  
• Welcome everyone with an area rug.
  Stay away from something that is mat-sized (which is typically used for wiping feet) and go with something that adds softness and color.
  Even if the flooring is lovely, an area rug feels warm and inviting.
  Choose a size that is large enough to cover a large portion of the floor.
  If you need color in the entry, choose one that is more colorful.
  But don't make it too distracting with lots of color and a busy print because you want people to notice the house, not the rug.
  
• If you have a plug, add a lamp (preferably on a table).
  Yes, the ceiling fixture is important, but lamp light creates a warm, welcoming glow.
  (Make sure you keep it turned on.
  )
• Hang a mirror.
  Mirrors should be used carefully throughout the house as you want to make sure they are either useful, expand the space, or reflect something pretty.
  But a mirror in a small entry can help it feel larger.
  It can also reflect the light from the lamp or the chandelier.
  And if your entry is large, a mirror can be used to reflect something pretty such as a beautiful window or an arrangement of fresh flowers.
  
• If you have enough room, add an upholstered chair.
  Entries generally have very little furniture, with walls and doors (hard surfaces) being the most prominent features.
  Sometimes there is a table, which is another hard surface.
  Of course the rug mentioned above adds softness, but an upholstered chair really makes the space warm and inviting.
  The chair doesn't have to be large.
  And having only an upholstered seat or back is fine.
  But fabric, even in a small amount, brings in additional softness.
  And if it's not upholstered, adding a pillow and/or a throw will probably be just fine.
  

Of course, the most important staging tip for the entry is to make it smell great.
This is usually one of the first things mentioned about staging and that's for a reason.
Don't trust yourself, but have a trusted friend or two give you honest feedback on what happens when they walk in the door.
Then pay attention.
Because if the smell isn't good, there is no staging in the world that will overcome it.