I do watch HGTV ... I admit it! I enjoy some shows. Each time I watch a "staging" show I am amazed at the dollar figures they throw out to the public, for instance, "the budget for this staging comes to just under $1000". What they do not say is that the "stager" must be paid and the laborers need to be paid. They have seamstresses, tile experts, carpenters, electricians, painters etc. and yet the budget is "just under $1000". The staging also takes a week to finish.  How many hours do you think the "stager" and the contractors work on this one staging? WOW! and for just under $900.....NOT!

The real story is that stagers cost money too. The carpenters, contractors, painters, electricians  all have to be paid. So what is the real cost? And what about the shopping time for all the materials used in the staging?

This is not "REAL LIFE STAGING".

• A "STAGING CONSULTATION", written "ACTION PLAN" or..
  

• Utilizing what the seller owns, getting them to paint, de-clutter, redo, change, remove, clean, clean and then clean it again. 
• The "stager" gives them the "plan", they do the work;
  
• or the "stager" comes in with her/his crew and rearranges furniture, packs away items, rehangs art, arranges the lighting, and accessorizes.....and for what, around $350-$1400. The "stager" gets done what they can in the allotted amount of time prearranged with the seller, or Realtor. 
• The "stager" brings in all furnishings, lighting, art, linens and accessories and charges by the rooms staged, plus rental for the items placed in the home. Add in photography, then the "stager" and laborers fee.....$$$$$$. NOT "just under $900".

So, reality is that staging cost more than portrayed on HGTV, but cost less than the first price reduction and can make the difference between a home that is on the market a shorter period of time, and sells for more money.

Morale: Staging is not portrayed on HGTV as "reality", it is not for the faint at heart or the non-serious Realtor or owner. When a stager quotes their fee why are most people "shocked" by the quote? It is because HGTV has convinced that miracles can be done for "just under $900".

Let's educate the consumers, Realtors, sellers, and home builders. Staging makes a difference and you get what you pay for. Hire a professional..............and "not for just under $900".