A Seller contacted me a few weeks ago to do a Staging consultation with them. They were frustrated that the house had been on the market since March but had only had 6 showings. They took their Realtors advice and "neutralized" the downstairs and painted everything white. Now they were left with a very sterile and cold house that had no personality.

When I arrived, it was obvious that the biggest problem this house had was it needed color and the "WOW" factor! After touring their fantastic house, I could see they really tried to do everything right. Their biggest complaint was painting everything white like they were told. They said they didn't agree with it but listened anyway since they trusted that their Realtor knew what buyers liked.

** The Stager would have met with the clients and discussed paint options and even chose a color that would of been warm and inviting that would of made the selling features such as their hardwood floors and natural woodwork "pop". (The white walls made their natural woodwork look outdated)

**The Stager would have worked out a plan with the Sellers to bring in or buy the needed accessories and artwork and Staged their house before they put their house on the market.

**Realtor would be worry free as the listing is ready to go and clients are happy with the results! The MLS pictures look fantastic which draws in more than 6 potential buyers to view the house. Perhaps the Realtor and Sellers would already have their offer.

Realtors: Partnering with a Stager by including a Staging Consultation as part of your overall marketing plan is smart. Your clients will appreciate an "Expert" consulting with them and giving them a "plan" on what they need to do to get their house ready for the market. This is one less thing YOU have to worry about because you know that the preparation of your listing is in the hands of a professional. The listing is properly and professionally prepared, MLS pictures look fabulous, the listing sells quickly for the most money possible and of course, the clients couldn't be happier!

Teresa Meyer is the owner of www.stageastar.com , a full service professional home staging company in Cincinnati, Ohio (serving Butler, Hamilton, and Warren counties.) Cincinnati Home Staging....helping Sellers, Realtors, and Investors prepare their home and listings for the Cincinnati real estate market.