Many thanks to Anna 'Banana' Kruchten for a recent contest she and Kerrie cooked up: tell the story of what you do through a series of FAQ blog posts. I was late to that party, but have jumped on the concept in a serious way. Here is the first of what I expect to be a solid series- each with a self-imposed maximum of 400 words.
Staging FAQs: What is Staging?
Truth be told, I have a love/hate relationship with the word 'Staging".
It's the word most people recognize, but there are so many misconceptions...and it just sounds kind of fake, prissy-pants to me. Am using the phrase 'prepare a property' in the same sentance for a while now, it seems to resonate better with most everyone.
That aside, The Refreshed Home considers preparing Westchester County properties for sale to be a mindset, and a plan to support both agent and seller. I'd define it as anything that can be done to put a property's best foot forward, and get Westchester sellers the best price, in the quickest manner.
Just as each property, and each market is unique, so is the seller, and their goals and expectations. Sure, Staging is largely about having a good visual, but turn off the out-of-date HGTV re-runs. In today's market, a good visual is not a silver bullet, it doesn't stand alone.
To be effective it needs sellers who are committed to selling their house. Who will keep up the look, and make the property reasonably available for showings. For my purposes the agent needs to know the market, have the confidence to have the difficult conversations, and price/market the property appropriately.
Clear communication and trust between seller, agent and myself are vital to a successful plan. The above is the best illustration of how we work together.
My projects always start with questions.
To target the audience and the message I ask agents:
- Who will buy this property?
- What is the competition like?
- What makes this property special and unique in this market?
- How much of a price difference will Staging this property make?
To understand and affirm the sellers' goals:
- Why are you selling?
- Where are your going, what is your time frame?
- How do your financial expectations fit with current market value?
- What do you want Staging to do for your property?
- What is your own ability to do things?
The goals of The Refreshed Home are several: an effective solution with pleasing results, delivered in an equally pleasing manner. The 'hows', the physically preparing of a property can be as simple as an interactive consult with photos or video, via phone or SKYPE; to hands-on overseeing agreed-on needed updates and acquisitions, and everything in between.
In posts to come, you'll read about them all. Stay-subscribe-even submit your own questions. Remember, my success depends on your success!
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"Home Staging is anything that betters the market position of a property, while easing the minds of both the seller, and Realtor" ~TRH
Our spaces affect us profoundly. Whether you are buying, selling or staying-The Refreshed Home is your Westchester County Decorating, and Home Staging specialist. Bettering Westchester and lower Fairfield County CT homes since 1981, we know it's about more than a good visual.
The Refreshed Home helps you plan, and make good decisions. It's creative and quality direction for the DIYer, full service to the busy, or out of the area homeowners/landlords.
Need to sell? Have listless listings? Just ready for a change? Know that something needs to be done, but don't know where-or how-to start? Let The Refreshed Home be your partner in change. Because when your space works, so many other things fall into place!
Marie Graham ASP, IAHSP, IDS Your Stager With A Mission!
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6 Comments on Staging FAQs: What is Staging?
Marie, ya just gotta love a girl who uses words like "prissy-pants" :)
Clear communication between seller and agent is not always the easiest of tasks...but I have no doubt that you cut through a lot of the muck!
I like to say "getting the home ready for showing" because that is exactly what it is, regardless of what needs to be done.
Thanks Marti! (Chocolate Chip-my favorite!)
NICK! Few phrases are more telling than something called 'prissy-pants'-right?
Hi Patty-I think this is the way the industry is going. We 'prepare' things on a regular basis-much more palatable.
Marie, you know I agree with the way you give new meaning to the word "staging" when it comes to homes. I think your could expand your business model to provide a "refreshed" home to new buyers who are moving into a new home in your community. Everyone needs a home "refreshed"... go for it!
Emily-who's a better support than you? Thank you! Funny you are saying this...that is actually one of about a half-dozen specialty services I will be explaining in this series, and in the website update later this summer. Earlier this year I connected in a deep and meaningful way with a Realtor whose seller brought me in to get the house ready...she was so excited about how we worked together, she has been giving time with The Refreshed Home as closing gifts since!