Do You Use Staging?

**amberstar702** · 03-18-2007, 11:17 AM

I became familiar with the concept of staging recently while doing article research. We later looked at some Vegas houses for possible purchase and I noticed one in particular which could have used some help. It was an open house and the owners were not on the premises. There was clutter on the back patio as well as toys belonging to the grandkids in the entrance way. The curtains were closed and the house appeared DARK.

The realtor apologized for the mess which to me is a big turn-off (both the mess and the need for an apology). I want to envision the home as I would live in it. I told her that it appears dark and she again apologized. This woman is doing her clients a disservice by not advising them about how their home should be presented.

Do any of you use the services of a professional to stage the homes you sell? What are your thoughts about this service?

**Deana** · 03-21-2007, 03:20 AM

I have just found a stager to work with but have not actually used her yet. I think that having someone else work with the customer will divert the difficulty in getting them to understand what you, the realtor, mean by "neat". Some customers just don't get it and what we see as clutter they are used to living in.

Having an "expert" tell them the truth, in my mind, will be more effective than the "realtor" if they don't see us as having an expert opinion on the topic.

In real bad cases I would fork out the money for the stager. In other cases where the house isn't bad but the basement or garage needs help I use a brochure "Getting Your House Ready to Sell" that has examples and suggestions for tidying the place up.

Deana
MacombCondoGuide.com

**Nickie** · 03-21-2007, 02:30 PM

For occupied homes, it is very affordable to have a professional Home Stager come in for a consultation. Most Stagers will provide the homeowner with a complete report that will detail everything that needs to be done inside and out to get the home show ready.

They can also provide an estimate for some hands on help if the homeowner needs help packing, moving furniture etc. They can also provide artwork, linens, etc. that can be rented to give the home a fresh look while it is on the market.

I have several agents that I work with that pay for the consultation report as a gift to their sellers, and then leave it up to the seller to decide if they want us to return to help with the work or do it themselves. It definitely helps their listings get sold faster.

**Patrick Mc** · 03-22-2007, 10:06 AM

There are a number of stagers in my market that will do free consultation with report. It's nice tool to have for listing presentations.

**Nickie** · 03-22-2007, 10:36 AM

That's very generous. Are they providing a generic type report and then providing a proposal? The report I am describing is specific to one property and provides the seller with everything they need to know to stage their specific home, including where to place individual pieces of furniture, artwork, plants, etc.

Most Stagers do charge for that service, but it is very affordable. However most Stagers do not charge to do a bid and often provide some generic Staging tips in their introductory package.

Having a Stager as part of your team is definitely a plus, whether the home is vacant or occupied. Another value added part of your service. Some sellers may have no interest, but more and more sellers are very excited to speak with a Stager before their home gets shown.

It doesn't hurt to have a couple of Stagers to work with in case one is booked and you need someone quick. Oftentimes when you get a new listing, everyone wants to get it on the market quick, so the Stager is always asked "how quick can you do it?" Having a backup is a good idea.

**Patrick Mc** · 03-22-2007, 11:11 AM

I work with a staging company that provides a free consultation. I don't pay a penny.

**Nickie** · 03-22-2007, 11:19 AM

Wow!

Good for you!

I hope it is a win/win for everyone!

**chrishummel** · 03-22-2007, 12:05 PM

I haven't used it but I think makes some houses look much better and easier to market.

www.hummelcompanies.com

**RobGerhart.com** · 04-04-2007, 05:41 AM

It depends on the price of the property. If the home is under $750k I will advise the clients on staging myseld. After all decluttering and putting furniture in a position to make rooms look bigger is a pretty basic concept. If the home is above and beyond &750k I will pay for a professional to come in and do a consultation as part of my USP.