The part of my job I love the most is the opportunity to work with wonderful, savvy real estate professionals that really understand marketing their listings to get them sold quickly and retain as much of the equity in their client's house. They use powerful marketing tools such as staging and professional photography to achieve that goal.  I wanted to share this powerful testimonial from Jennifer Cox of The RealCincyGroup as she shares her perspective on using staging to help sell her listings. 

"I was introduced to the concept of staging several years ago, just as the market was starting to slow, and home sellers were trying to understand why their home wasn't selling as quickly, and for more money, than the neighbor's had the previous year. Inventory was increasing, sales were slowing, and precious few homeowners wanted to talk to the realtor that had a glimpse of the future, now present, real estate market. Fortunately, I did have clients that wanted to know more. They wanted to try something that would set them apart. They did so, with success!  Embracing the concept and seeing the powerful results of staging, I was fortunate to be on a WKRC Money Alert segment in 2006, just as the idea of Home Staging was starting to really take off in this area.

Here's the thing:  Many home owners still just don't "get it" that by investing in a few hours, and potentially a few dollars into their home, prior to going on the market, the result will be a quicker sale and, bottom line, put more cash in their pocket! I suppose it's up to us, the real estate pro's, to really impress upon our clients that this is in their best interest.

I want to share the story of one couple who did "get it".  Dustin & Kristina Haggard, former owners of 8 Oriole Court, located in the Sedona Ridge subdivision, in Amelia.  The Haggards owned an adorable 3 bedroom, 1 ½ bath, 1 car garage home, no basement, but nicely decorated and updated, in a neighborhood of 2 full bath, 2 car garage homes.  Unfortunately, in this subdivision, and the adjoining, competing neighborhood of Quail Creek, homeowners often find that they are competing against short sale & foreclosed on properties. We knew we had our work cut out for us.

When pricing this home, we had to be cautious to not price too high, so that we were not competing with homes that are structurally more appealing, with 2 full baths, a basement and an additional garage space. We also wanted to send a message to the "deal hunters" that this is not a distressed sale. The sellers were not in a short sale or foreclosure scenario and simply, and correctly, refused to sell in the price range of those homes.

 Knowing that we were going to need to strongly appeal to those who did tour, the Haggards worked closely with Teresa Meyer of Stage a Star, following her instructions perfectly! They stained the deck, removed the personal photos, re-arranged the living room furniture and placed inexpensive decorative items to highlight the focal points of the home. Knowing that the pictures and online promotion would be critical to a successful sale, the owner's wisely accepted that if we took our time and prepared the home, following Teresa's ideas and instructions, prior to listing, our selling time would be reduced, and the stress of being on the market and preparing for showings, would be shortened. I am adamant with sellers that the month of the year, or the day of the week that they enter the market has far less impact than the condition of the home from day one.

The results? Dramatic! Showings were non-stop! We had 2 low offers within the first 2 weeks. Offers made by customers shopping outside of their comfort price range, but hoping to take advantage of the current market scenario. Of course they loved this home and you can't blame a' guy for trying! We often tell sellers that the first offer will be their best, but in this case, we knew differently.

The 3^rd week on the market, I received a call from a gal who wanted to view the home. It was a perfect fit. The "house" on 8 Oriole was clearly going to be her new "home". The customer asked that I help her purchase this home and we were under contract on Day 30. 30 Days on the market, with a 96% list to sell ratio. The seller concessions were minimal:  a small contribution to title insurance. 

The sellers and I absolutely consider this a Staging Success Story!"

The homeowners did a fabulous job preparing and staging their home. A Staging Consultation with Stage a Star gave them the "plan" they needed for a successful sale.   They were under contract in 30 days in this challenging market.  Staging works!   Are you ready to finally get your house sold?  It's easy. Give Stage a Star a call and we can discuss how staging can help you too!

To Your Staging Success!

Teresa Meyer is the Owner and Lead Staging Designer at Stage a Star, Cincinnati's Premiere Real Estate Staging company located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Teresa is an ASP, Accredited Staging Professional and CSPE, Certified Staging Professional Elite and Ohio Certified CSPE Trainer to real estate professionals in Cincinnati. She is a member of RESA, Real Estate Staging Association and currently is the State of Ohio RESA President.   Teresa can be reached at 513-379-5488 or by email: teresameyer@fuse.net to answer your questions about the staging process and looks forward to assisting you in preparing and staging your house for the Cincinnati real estate market.