How to get your seller to stage...

Great before and afters ! ... really shows the benefit of staging !

... I'm a huge advocate of staging, and your consultation ideas are very helpful!

Thanks ! Nice post !

Cheers !

Bethany ~ No, you're not the only one!  I had this recently myself.  The homeowner decided not to do things I suggested (paint one room, remove a medicine cabinet and replace with a mirror, update bathroom lighting).  It wasn't so much the money as the effort, I think.  A working consultation might be an option, and it certainly doesn't hurt to suggest it.

Great ideas.  I love the one about having the seller pay, then the agent reimburse them at closing.  Great thinking.  I'm going to visit a real estate office next week, and I'm going to suggest that.  Your pictures are great.  Thanks for sharing.

The majority of sellers that I consult with do in fact follow through with my recommendations. The one exception is if the house requires ALOT of wallpaper removal. Realtors pay for the majority of my consultations. I think they have probably screened the seller before offering the service and know that the homeowner is motivated and willing to do the work.

One of my problems with these consultations has been my fear of overloading the homeowner with a list of things that need doing. I can often feel the resentment from the seller even before I present my report. This has caused me to be a little less "upfront" on occassions. This is NOT good for the seller, the agent or me!.  Where does a stager's job as a consultant stop ?

You certainly are not alone.  What a waste of time doing the consultation - very frustrating.  I am going to try to have the seller pay and have the realtor re-imburse them at closing.  Fantastic idea.

Patti Skelton - East Coast Designs (Maine)

I love how you feature the built-ins in the second photo set.

Anne:  The best way to decompress all the information (I found) is to present the sellers with a priority list.  "Do this first, then this, then that."  Otherwise, homeowners may concentrate of cleaning out basement shelves before decluttering the living room.

It's sad but true some people can't see past certain item or a theme. A junkie house or even messy rooms people can't see past things.

We've had a lot of success with the 'working consultation' actually.  I always strongly recommend this to my students.

Hi Bethany--When I do my consultations, I work to explain the 'feeling' of what we are creating with the staging....explaining WHY the things need to be improved or changed.  I will do some light 'work' but usually, the homeowners are in motion on the spot.  A working staging choice is a good way to help the client BEGIN!  Regards-Kathleen G

We agree that getting the seller to pay is critical to having them "buy in" to the entire staging concept. I like your idea of the working consultation. A lot of sellers want to sell but just aren't willing to make the effort. It reminds me of people who want to get in shape but don't want to work out. Sometimes, giving the sellers "homework" and making them accountable can be helpful, especially if they are the ones paying. Great photos and thanks for the post.

One idea for Realtors might be to suggest they will pay for the consultation once it has been implemented.  Of course, then it is a judgement call as to how much they implement and if they should be reimbursed. 

I certainly don't think Realtors should be discouraged for paying for the consult up front.  It is certainly an added value for them in their listing packages, and usually the home owner at least implements some of the suggestions.  I try to talk to them first to know what is realistic for them.  It does no good to suggest changes they are not capable of making financially or practically.

Here is a helpful hint.  When marketing your staging business be sure to market directly to sellers also.  I find that sellers who respond directly to the staggers advertising are more apt to follow your directions then those that are referred to you via an agent.  Be sure to express to the seller during your initial contact that you understand how difficult making the necessary changes needed to sell a home can be but that you will help them all along the way.  If finances are an issue assure them that you will do the best for the least amount of coin.  This helps a lot!