Team Playing In Home Staging/ Real Estate

I'm new to AR and I'm wondering if after your blog you found realtors are more inclined now to engage the professional services of a home stager.  I visit Open Houses to introduce myself and often receives the same response that the realtor has helped them do the staging.  

Even though the spring real estate market is here, many homes are still sitting. When I look at pictures on the websites, it is no wonder. Realtors are not doing their clients any justice by not recommending that their houses be staged. Sellers are too sentimental about their homes. It is nearly impossible for them to objectively alter the house so that it appeals to buyers. There is way too much inventory out there and homes need to stand out from the crowd more then ever! HOME STAGERS ARE WELL WORTH THE MONEY.

I know exactly what you mean, in my town there are so many homes for sale and they just aren't selling. When I look at the pictures online it's as if whoever took the pictures is trying to sabotage a sale rather than make one. There's dirty towels on the floor of an otherwise very nice bathroom, dirty dishes in the kitchen sink, clutter everywhere, etc. While a lot of realtors do know something about staging, most don't have the time or the expertise that stagers are trained in, specifically how to create that emotional connection between house and buyer that is essential for a sale. Stagers should be treated the same way as home inspectors and appraisers--professionals that play an essential role in the home sale process. Most realtors are not inspectors or appraisers, these individuals are hired as outside professionals. Stagers should be seen the same way, and even if we're not there yet as more and more professionally staged homes sell quicker and for better prices than the competition, more homeowners and realtors will see the value of our services.