Special offer

All Home Stagers Are NOT Created Equal

By
Home Stager with We Stage Colorado- Colorado's Premier Staging Experts

These past couple of years with the economy I have seen a steady increase of "Home Stagers" enter the marketplace. With HGTV, come many who believe that after seeing Staging on television that they can do it themselves. As an Accredited Staging Professional Master, who has invested in education and has continually "upped" my knowledge and experience I am perplexed by those who have entered the market and have not taken the time to prepare by equipping themselves with the best tools available to them.

I am also perplexed by the ineffective Staging I have seen in increasing numbers. There is method to the practice of home Staging which true professionals adhere to. Simply putting furniture in a space is NOT, "effective" home Staging! In an effort to save money, many home sellers have chosen to go with the lowest priced Stager. The old adage "You Get What You Pay For" holds true, especially in these times. No pillows, artwork, area rugs, accessories does not equal effective Staging. At least not Staging that will serve the purpose of creating the wonderful aesthetic that draws buyers in and inspires them to make offers. Good Staging should create a visceral, emotional response.

We all know money is tight, but honestly, investing in Staging, GOOD Staging that is, by Accredited Staging Professionals pays much higher dividends to the home seller, Realtor by getting homes sold quickly and for top dollar. Staged homes do sell faster but that is a "qualified" Staged home, that is effectively Staged employing professional methodologies by trained professionals. Quality matters, education matters and ethics matter in the field of Home Staging. Do yourself as a Seller, Realtor or Investor a favor. Choose your Stager based on quality, accreditation and experience not just price. You will find a greater return on your Staging investment when you choose well. 

Comments (3)

Marianne Cherico
Interiors by Marianne Cherico - Foxboro, MA
Home Stager -Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Trish,

I agree wholeheartedly!  Sellers and Realtors should pick stagers that are experienced and educated. They should look at the body of their work and talk with previous customers. I know so many people who want to be stagers because they "think it would be fun" but they are not experienced or educated. The true professionals continue to learn and grow, have knowledge of how Real Estate is moved and work on their business continually.

Marianne

Jun 02, 2010 06:06 PM
Sheridan Corrie
Upstage, LLC - West Linn, OR

Trish, I also agree that not all stagers are created equally.  However, keep in mind that training, education and experience come from many places.  Just because someone is accredited, does not make them talented and vice versa.  This is true in many other fields, not just home staging.  It is important for consumers to look at body of work and reputation.  There certainly is a difference between the hobby stager and the professional.

Jun 07, 2010 11:19 AM
Joan Inglis, Master Accredited Staging Professional
Carolina Spaces, LLC www.CarolinaSpaces.com - Charlotte, NC
Home Staging, Model Merchandising, Interior Design

Awesome post, Trish!  I've seen over and over people choosing a cheap stager and then getting what they pay for - a house that does not present in its best possible light, and one that sits on the market with price reductions and expires.

Jun 12, 2010 08:50 AM