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I tried that new concept, staging, and it just didn't work out...

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Full Circle Property Management

It seemed like a good idea, and I have had a few people contact me about "stages" so I thought I might try it with my new listing. It started a little confusing because I didn't know if I should buy a stage or build one. I am kind of handy so I could build one with some 2 x 4's and stuff, but it would take a long time.

I decided to buy one. It was a little difficult getting it into the house, but a couple of agents from the office helped and we took it apart and got it inside. I guess the most important room to stage is the family room, so we built it there, which was good because I don't think it would have fit in the bedroom.

We put all the furniture on the stage and the experts were right, the room did look good on a stage. Buyers all had comments on it, but the home just didn't sell. What am I doing wrong? I thought a home that had a stage was supposed to sell faster. Any advice?

Stanton Homes
Stanton Homes - New Home Builder - Raleigh, NC
Design/Build Custom Home Builder in North Carolina

Dennis - I think you forgot to set up seating in front of the stage.  You have to let the buyers get really comfortable.  And maybe you should consider selling popcorn. 

Jun 24, 2008 10:54 PM
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

Penny-good idea. Maybe even soft drinks!

Jun 24, 2008 11:07 PM
Gary McAdams
GMAC Schwartz Property Sales - Key West, FL

I have been on the fence about staging too.  Still thinking about it.

Jun 24, 2008 11:11 PM
Scott Daniels Florida Real Estate 2.0. Agents Earn 100% Commission.
Florida List For Less Realty, Inc. Broker/Owner. - Cooper City, FL

DS,

If at first you don`t succeed "Try,Try Again"....

Jun 24, 2008 11:11 PM
Crystal Corr
Keller Williams Greenville Central - Simpsonville, SC

Great job on making me smile this morning!! I agree with Penny, you should just start charging admission and sell popcorn. At least the you and the homeowners could recoup the stage cost.

Jun 24, 2008 11:38 PM
Chip Jefferson
Gibbs Realty and Auction Company - Columbia, SC

The big projection TV was left out of your staging effort. Install one immediately and the home will sell overnight with night shoppers.

Jun 24, 2008 11:41 PM
Anonymous
Anonymous

Is the price right, all the staging in the world won't sell it if the price is to high

Jun 24, 2008 11:53 PM
#7
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Agreed....this is a price driven market...THOUGH....it is not only price driven, you have to be the "shiniest penny" and staging is one of the very best polishes.

Jun 25, 2008 12:08 AM
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

Laura, you are so right! But where should it go? Any higher and we would hit the ceiling!

Jun 25, 2008 01:23 PM
Stanton Homes
Stanton Homes - New Home Builder - Raleigh, NC
Design/Build Custom Home Builder in North Carolina

Dennis - From the other comments - it appears that some folks did not understand the unique staging concept you have come up with. 

Jun 25, 2008 10:49 PM
Allison Stewart
St.Cloud Homes - Saint Cloud, FL
St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904

LOL Dennis...too funny  Gives new meaning to "Home Theater"

Jun 25, 2008 10:52 PM
Yvonne Root
rooms b.y. root - Prescott, AZ
Home Stager - Northern Arizona

Dennis, This is one of the best staging articles I've read all morning. OK, so this is the first article I've read this morning. Uh, what is a girl to do? At any rate, you may want to share your little staging adventure with the crew over in Stage it Forward. It sure gave me a laugh! Thanks for the fun.

Jun 25, 2008 11:28 PM