I recently staged a builder's model that had been on the market for over a year.  As a matter of fact, I originally bid for the job on February 17, 2006.  I was very surprised to hear from them over a year later asking me to submit another bid.

I know they were hesitant to spend the money the first time, but by now they were ready to make the leap into staging.  When I resubmitted the bid, I explained to them that I had restructured my fees and with the addition of a delivery trailor I no longer had pay movers, so the staging fee was significantly less.  The lower bid was definitely a positive change and they agreed to have the house staged - and they wanted it done NOW.

The job was completed March 24 and was ready for open house the next day. They seemed to be very pleased with the result and were crossing their fingers (me, too) that this would be the little push the house needed.

I got an email from the builder today telling me that they think the house may be sold (woohoo!) and they would know within a day or two.  I figured they also wanted to forewarn me they may be trying to avoid making the second month's rental payment which is due in 7 days - and understandably so.

To my surprise, she asked if it would be possible for me to just transfer all of the furniture to a second vacant model in the development.  OMG! They get it!  Of course they should, considering that this house sat vacant for 13 months, then sold (hopefully) within 30 days of staging.

I guess I'm just gonna have to do this one builder at a time....