Homestaging - Staging of a Property

That's correct, but through home staging, a higher value is conveyed to the prospective buyer that may not actually be accurate? Interesting topic.

But it’s not just about a fresh coat of paint. A first step is to declutter, clean, and depersonalize.

You don’t sell a car either when the interior is cluttered, the ashtray is overflowing, the paint is no longer recognizable due to dirt and salt, etc. It’s similar to a house that is cost-effectively improved with some personal effort. Smart repair and engine washing may still cover up small flaws and a leaking engine. This is analogous to a new coat of paint on a house. Here you have to look at the cost/benefit ratio.

Many years ago I was at a car dealership looking at used cars. At one dealership there was a vehicle that had just arrived. Even though the salesman said I should ignore all the dirt, that after reconditioning it would look like new again. Somehow that didn’t work and I didn’t buy the car.

But it’s not just about a fresh coat of paint. A first step is decluttering, cleaning, and depersonalizing.

You wouldn’t sell a car if the interior is cluttered, the ashtray is overflowing, the paint is no longer recognizable because of dirt and salt, etc. It’s similar to a house being cost-effectively improved with some personal effort. Smart repair and engine washing might still cover up small flaws and a leaky engine. That’s analogous to a new coat of paint on the house. Here you have to look at the cost/benefit ratio.

Many years ago, I was at a car dealership looking at used cars. At one dealership, there was a vehicle that had just arrived. Even though the salesman told me to ignore all the dirt, since it would look like new after reconditioning, somehow that didn’t work and I didn’t buy the car.

A leaky engine is not repaired by a wash either.

But no one looks like he is drunk. Even there, flawlessness is feigned.

Exactly, that's why I prefer a dusty and slightly oily engine to a freshly washed one...

Now mentally switch to the seller's side.

You have a car with a leaking engine.
Option 1: you leave it as is and accept price reductions because anyone can see that it is leaking.

Option 2: you do an engine wash.

Option 2a
Ideally, the buyer has no idea, does not consult an expert, and pays more than the actual value because of the good condition.

Option 2b
Worst case, everyone knows what you are covering up with the engine wash. You admit that it is leaking, accept the price reduction, and have invested in an engine wash.

You simply forget that Homestaging is a tool of the seller's side. It’s all psychology.
You also don’t get upset that the cheap goods in the supermarket are at the bottom and the brand products are at eye level. Those who know look for alternatives outside the field of view. Those who don’t know may unconsciously pay too much.