Madison avenue makes tons of money for ideas in advertising. Donatella Versace makes money for her fashion ideas. Ideas and creativity are a commodity that many pay top dollar for. If creativity, innovation and problem solving were so easy, everyone would do it and there would be no Madison Avenue or Versace.
How do you put a price on creativity and the ability to envision a plan before it even is put on paper? How do you put a price on problem solving and the ability to improvise?
One of the most common complaints and misconceptions about Staging is the cost. Staging is too expensive and not worthy of the fees being charged. Why should Stagers be paid at time of service instead of when the property closes? After all, how hard is it pick colors, pare down floor plans or pick out "knick knacks".
Staging is advertising; very cost effective advertising when you consider the potential returns. Think about it. Staging is live advertising that people can reach out and touch. How much is that worth? Especially when it doesn't come across as high gloss and contrived.
If it involves little skill or creativity, why has the industry emerged? Anyone can do it, right? Why denigrate the worth of this service?
As a seller, I have listened to agents we interviewed brag about how much they spent in advertising and getting the word out about their listings. "Nobody does more." I have heard this common theme from homeowner clients who have not seen the results of all this marketing and advertising. Well how much did all that advertising cost? Advertising a listing that shows poorly for a typical listing period is way more expensive than Staging.
A simple Consultation, depending on the company, can range from $500 on the high end to about $150 on the low end. This many times alone is all that is required to get a home ready to show and shorten time on the market. How much was that print spread that just shows the outside of a listing and not always in a flattering light? What will generate more interest, that or photos taken of a ready to show listing loaded on multiple Internet websites for all to see.
Consider the price of ideas and then take your pick.
AccentPositives provides effective and economical consultations on site and online. We Service the Inland Empire area of Southern California.
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Morning Ana, It's merchandising a product, a clients home. $150 can go a long way to help a client, as long as they are a serious seller! Well stated post.