I know that there have been many discussions here on AR about Home Staging and why Realtors should use it.  One of the points that Stagers like to make is that just about every house can benefit from Staging in some capacity because it is difficult for Sellers to look at their own home with "Buyers' eyes".  Further, we like to point out the advantages for Realtors who 'partner' with Home Stagers on their listings. 

I, for one, spent many months last year 'marketing' the concept of Home Staging to local Realtors here on Long Island.  I honestly have to tell you that, for the most part, my words seem to fall 'on deaf ears' in 2006.

Fast forward to 2007 and suddenly there seemed to be a 'shift' in the way that Realtors perceived the concept of Staging.  Perhaps it had something to do with the sluggish market of 2006 and the realization that it takes more of a concentrated and collective effort to sell a house in the market of today.  Whatever the reason, judging from what I am reading in the blogs of Active Rain, Home Staging is finally becoming understood and utilized.

As for me, these days I am actually getting phone calls from Realtors, and most are people that I have never 'met' or marketed to.  I would suppose that having one of my 'staged' houses sell in a short amount of time has helped immeasurably. Active Rain has also contributed in its own way since it has been responsible for my increased "Google" presence whereby I receive many internet inquiries. 

It is also through AR that I have met two wonderful Realtors from Long Island who are beginning to 'partner' with me for their new listings.  I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to work with Realtors who not only appreciate the concept of Staging to Sell, but also use it when they take the listing.  It has been as simple as my going to the new listing, walking through the house with the Realtor(s) and homeowners, and pointing out what changes need to be made and why.  I then prepare a detailed Consultation Report and e-mail it to the Realtor, who in turn provides a copy to the seller.  The changes are made and the house is ‘market worthy'.

Who are these innovative realtors?  None other than our very own laurie mindnich and her partner, Sean Stark from Options Realty.  I cannot say enough about these two wonderful people - I hope that their clients realize what hard-working Realtors both are.  Laurie and Sean are going to change the ‘face' of the Real Estate market on Long Island because they utilize every possible ‘tool' in order to get their listings sold!

It is just so refreshing so see that Realtors and Stagers are beginning to ‘team' up.  If you are a Realtor reading this post, and you have yet to work with a Home Stager, I urge you to find a reputable one in your area and try ‘partnering' on your new listings.  See for yourself the difference this approach can make!