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Are Home Stagers supposed to do window treatments on a vacant ?

By Fernando Rosado

Home Stager

April 30, 2008 01:10 PM

I went to give a quote on a vacant and there is this one window that needs a window treatment, do I refer them to someone, I dont do that and the window is huge. Should I risk it anget creative or should I reccomend a professional to the client?

Do I just tell the client, we stage but we dont do window treatments?

Any advise would be appreciated. Im stock on this one!

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John Walters

Frank Rubi Real Estate - Slidell, LA

Licensed in Louisiana

I say be honest. If they still want you to do it then do it. Otherwise they need someone else for the windows.

Apr 30, 2008 01:14 PM

Brian Schulman

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Lancaster PA - Lancaster, PA

Lancaster County PA RealEstate Expert 717-951-5552

Why not tell them just what you said here, and leave the choice to them?

Apr 30, 2008 01:17 PM

Donna Marie Godfrey

Godfrey Properties - Pottstown, PA

Just say, "I don't do windows"!

Apr 30, 2008 01:19 PM

Steven Nickens

Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers - Wailea, HI

R(S)GRI ABR, Maui Real Estate Hawaii

I would send them to Lowes or Pennys. It is real easy to take the measurements. They will recommend if it's a pair or panel if you don't know what you want. Also the widths needed to extend pass the window. in most cases they will have an installer to also do the job. If you are handy with a screw gun it is not really hard to install. I had an interior store prior to real estate. So go for it.

Steven Nickens

Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

Apr 30, 2008 01:26 PM

Abiud "Abi" Montes

EWM Realtors - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Doing a window that big could take some time but look at the bright side if it sells the home faster because it looks and feels like a house and not a warehouse. I think it may be a good idea.

Apr 30, 2008 01:27 PM

Julianna Hind

eXp Realty - Tacoma, WA

REALTOR, 206-679-4768, Tacoma Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, WA

Fernando, I only do the "simple" stuff, and even hanging simple rods take a bit of time and 2 people to do it. You call the shots on your business, so only do what you want to and refer out the rest!

Apr 30, 2008 02:48 PM

Susan Peters

Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA

The Better it Looks the Better it Sells

You could probably do Rods (from Lowes) and panels from Ikea for less tahn $200. Steve's advice about measurements is right on the money

Apr 30, 2008 02:51 PM

Janice Sutton

1st Stage Property Transformations - Murrieta, CA

Home Stager - Temecula Murrieta

I usually don't do windows BUT I have if the client insists. I also buy panels at Ikea. You can adjust the length with the fusible iron on tape included!

May 02, 2008 05:20 AM

Elaine Manes Gage

Home Staging Online Services - Denver, CO

Staging done ONLINE!

Fernando- I have only done one window in two years, and that's because the yard next door was atrocious, and I told the client his staging costs were a waste if we didn't cover up the window. He asked me to take care of it and I did. In your case, I agree with others...be honest, and if they still want you to do it, I have faith that you will do a great job!

May 02, 2008 08:26 AM

Minnesota Home Staging Firm, Minnesota

Minnesota Home Staging Network~ MN's Top Home Staging Firm - Inver Grove Heights, MN

We rarely do window treatments unless it's in a model and the builder pays full price for the treatments. Often times we'll have their crew install them and we'll simply pick them out.

May 04, 2008 02:04 AM

Connie Tebyani

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. : RESA-Pro - Calabasas, CA

Platinum Home Staging, Los Angeles and Ventura County

I don't usually do windows unless it's a redesign. We did do one vacant with FULL window treatments in each room, but the homowner paid for all of it, and the window treatments will remain with the home when it is sold.

May 04, 2008 05:03 AM

Sharon Tara

Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH

Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Do what you want to do. If you would like to take on the challenge then I would be honest with the owner and give them the choice. If they want you to go out and select something or create something (I know you can do it) or they can bring in the professionals.

May 04, 2008 09:58 AM

Sandra Hughes

Redesigned Spaces - Northern Virginia - Fairfax, VA

Redesigned Spaces - Fairfax County, Virginia

I tell clients I do not do window treatments as they convey with the home but if they want window treatments I can do it but it will be extra or we can outsource the project.

May 04, 2008 12:12 PM

Rob Muller

ReMax Town & Country - Canton, GA

Cherokee County Real Estate

I know stagers who do windows and some who don't. I agree with everyone else here- just tell them and leave the decision in their hands.

May 04, 2008 12:24 PM

Joan Inglis, Master Accredited Staging Professional

Carolina Spaces, LLC www.CarolinaSpaces.com - Charlotte, NC

Home Staging, Model Merchandising, Interior Design

Hi Fernando. My advice is to hook up with a custom window treatment person, give them referrals on things you can't handle, and collect your 10% referral.

I don't ever leave a customer or client in limbo without being able to help them with their requests. If I don't have a trade person already, I offer to ask around and find them a reliable person.

Does your IAHSP chapter have a business affiliate program? I am president of my chapter in Charlotte, NC. I started an affiliate program and we are gathering tradesmen that we can go to when these requests come up. Joan

May 04, 2008 12:49 PM

Cindy Lin

Staged4more School of Home Staging - South San Francisco, CA

Host, The Home Staging Show podcast

i don't normally do window treatments. i rather don't do them than doing it wrong. plus, most real estate agents have enough to do during open houses, and a lot of times they forget to open the drapes.

cheers,

cindy

May 06, 2008 04:50 PM

Abby Roselli

ALR Home Staging and Showcasing, LLC - Staten Island, NY

Staten Island Home Stager

I don't do them either. Joan's suggestion is on the money...I do have someone to refer for custom treatments. Other than that, shop around for what you want to install and get your pricing, and price up a handyman for installation and then provide the homeowner with the total cost. You can manage it for them. Good Luck!

May 07, 2008 03:04 AM

Phyllis Pafumi

ReStyled to Sell Home Staging New Jersey - Old Bridge, NJ

ReStyled to Sell Staging Homes NJ

I do simple window treatments. Purchasing long scarf curtains 216" and getting creative will cover the window also I purchase 96" long panels. But this takes time and if you are not confident then don't undertake it. Tell them it would be extra to do treatments. I do windows that frame a fireplace, bed, etc. I DO NOT do custom tho, that is OUT of my league and I let them know that. Plus it is very expensive.

Phylis Pafumi

May 20, 2008 02:38 AM