Home Staging – Questions and Answers

Question: Do I really need to stage my house?

Answer: The staging of the house is recommended to owners who are serious about selling their house in the shortest possible time. Consider this scenario: Two comparable homes are for sale in the same general area. House A was staged and is in excellent display condition. House B was not staged and may have some design issues. Which house do you think buyers will be most interested in? Statistics show us that houses that are professionally prepared for the real estate market are sold in a third less time than houses without stages.

Question: My real estate agent told me to wait for the stage, is this good advice?

Answer: The sooner you organize your home, the better it will be for you. If your agent told you not to show up or to wait for the stage, your real estate agent may not fully understand the value of home staging. Some agents are concerned about recommending more out-of-pocket expenses for their clients. It’s a noble concern but not a necessary one when considering home staging. Organizers work with realtors as a team, and most organizers will be happy to answer any questions realtors may have regarding the preparation process. Real estate agents may not know it, but organizers can be their greatest asset in marketing a client’s home.

Question: How do I choose a stage?

Answer: There are many things to consider when choosing a stage. Before you hire a set designer, consider these qualifications:

• Search for credentials. A good set designer will be professionally trained in the principles of staging and design.
• Ask for references. An experienced set designer will have references and a photo gallery of personal projects.
• Interview with your stage director. Most staging businesses are independently owned and will operate differently from one another.

Question: Can I organize my own house? o Can I have my friend organize my house?

Answer: It’s best to use an independent scenario consultant who has an objective view of your home. Professional stage handlers are specifically trained to find and remove obstacles that could interfere with the sale of your home. Homeowners and friends who are familiar with a home may find it difficult to apply design and staging principles to areas they are emotionally attached to.

Question: The staging does not cost a lot of money?

Answer: The staging, like any quality service, is not free. Staging costs can range from $100 for a consultation evaluation to $2,500 for full staging services (actual costs will vary based on company price and location). Think of the cost of staging as an investment in your home that will save you time and money when your home is listed. Statistically, the investment of staging a home has an approximate return of 120%; (For a $1,000 staging project, a homeowner can see a return of $1,200 when he sells his house. Statistics cited from http://www.stagedhomes.com, excuse me). The conclusion is that your staging investment will typically be less than the first price reduction on your home! Can you really afford not to stage your home?

Question: Isn’t staging and decorating the same thing?

Answer: No. The staging and decoration are at different ends of the spectrum. Staging uses proven techniques that create an emotional response in buyers; thus generating greater interest from buyers. Interior decoration uses principles of design and decoration to show the individual tastes and styles of the owners. When you decide to sell your home, you’ll need to set aside personal styles to make your home attractive to the greatest number of buyers.

Question: How do I get started?

Answer: Ask your real estate agent if their agency provides staging services or staging referrals. Otherwise, to find a licensed staging professional in your area, visit Houses in stages.

Your home may be the largest investment you make in your life. When you’re ready to list your home, don’t sell your investment low. A properly prepared house will sell in the shortest amount of time while receiving the highest offers. For more information about staging visit Design and staging of KFM.