What To Do When Your Staged House Doesn't Close?

I called to show a home yesterday that was back on market. The listing agent was very frustrated, having pulled the staging materials 3 days before closing only to see the deal fall apart the day before closing.

Had the reverse recently. We went to do our final walk-through on the way to closing and the stager's props were still onsite. No big deal, buyer was having work done prior to moving in.

But what's the happy medium?

Your suggestions make a lot of sense.  No point in destaging if it's going to have to be done all over again.

That's good advice.  Time is of the essence in that regard as well. 

Cindy:  This has to be a real dilemma that has not crossed my mind.  What a juggling act you have to do.  This is just one more reason why it makes such good sense to hire a professional stager and her services.  Take care...

Good idea as there are a lot of homes that never close. Best to be sure before doing anything drastic.

Who can help, that many are unable to secure a mortgage.  There should be something we can do.  I think holding on is more admirable.  Lu

This has happened on 2 occasions with us as well ~ the deal falls apart literally with the last 2 or 3 days before the close of escrow and the Staging has already been pulled.

Cindy, that's a great point.  I just signed up to take the two day REALTOR staging class that is taking place here in June. 

I love your new picture. I am trying to get mine taken but we are having difficulty with the afternoon showers.  We are trying again tomorrow.

Cindy, I have it stated very clearly on my contract that home staging is not a guarantee that your house is going to sell.

Because if it is priced wrong or is not marketed correctly by the listing agent it may not sell.

Cindy - this is  really good point although I am not sure there is much we can do about it. I personally had a house sale that failed to close on the very last day of a 90 escrow and there was nothing we could do about it. But as Stagers we can't wait til the last day to de-stage - I prefer to de-stage at least AFTER the due dilligence/inspection period is over - people are more apt to do everything they can to make it happen if their earnest money is at stake.

Stephanie

I agree with Stephanie above. I try to convince the homeowner to leave the staging until after the inspection.

Cindy,

I won't de-stage my houses until the buyer has removed their financing condition or signed. Sometimes I'm scrambling to get it done before possession but at least I don't have to re-stage anything.

You are soo right, at a minimum it should not be done prior to appraisal and contingency removals.  BuT there is alot to be said for inspections and walk throughs having the same feel as the home they originally fell in love with...really makes a difference to the outcome, especially in this market.