Some of the best staging techniques are free.   Getting rid of clutter and rearranging furniture can go a long way toward improving the way potential buyers view a room or home.  Sometimes, however, you might need to invest a little cash to achieve the desired look.  But you won’t bust your budget with these ideas under $25.

• Plants and bowls of fruit:   They add warmth and a splash of color to a room.
• Lighting:   Replacing heavy, dark shades with sleeker, lighter versions can add more light to a room.  Lighting should blend in and complement a room, not dominate it.  And make sure hallway fixtures aren’t too dated.
• Excess fabric:   A versatile tool for any stager, fabric can be used in a variety of ways.  For example, pin it around pillows for makeshift shams, use it to cover a dirty seat cushion, or hang it as temporary window treatments.
• Artwork:   Look for oil paintings, watercolors, and posters at flea markets, secondhand stores, or discount retailers – or have a photo enlarged at an office service center – to add just the right finishing touch to a room.