MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT STAGING
Don't be deterred by misconceptions about staging. Staging is not decorating, it's a crucial real estate marketing tool for all homes. Stagers are not critics; they're allies who help you protect your equity.
Although the value of staging has been recognized for over forty years, there are still many misconceptions. Let's look at some of them.
Myth: Staging isn't necessary.
Fact: Regardless of market conditions, your house is competing with every other house in your price range. If you want to protect your equity and sell faster, staging is essential.
Myth: Staging is suitable only for high-priced houses.
Fact: Staging is a real estate marketing tool based on interior design principles. Staging is crucial for houses, large and small, in all neighborhoods.
Myth: Staging is expensive.
Fact: A two hour staging consultation costs around $150. The stager emphasizes low or no cost recommendations, and when more is needed, the stager will suggest cost-effective solutions for the biggest impact. Staging helps protect equity and increases profit potential.
Myth: Staging is just a buzz word for decorating.
Fact: Staging is the opposite of decorating. Decorators embellish with furniture, window treatments, accessories, etc. Stagers analyze and edit these things and present what's left in the best light to focus attention on the house, not the contents. What staging and decorating have in common is that both are based on interior design principles.
Myth: The stager will criticize my decorating.
Fact: Living in your house is different from selling it. When you decorate, you choose things that please you and reflect your style. When you sell, your house should appeal to anyone who sees it. The stager creates a better product by suggestions that make it less your house and more anyone's house. These recommendations are not a criticism of your decorating.
Myth: A staged house lacks personality.
Fact: Prospective buyers should not be distracted by the details of your life. They need to see the house itself and imagine how they would live in it. A professionally staged house is inviting and warm, but not personal.
Myth: Staging is the real estate agent's job.
Fact: Most agents are not professionally trained stagers and may be reluctant to discuss sensitive topics, such as pet or smoking odors, cleanliness or clutter. Smart sellers have an objective assessment and stage their house before calling the agent to list it.
Smart Selling Tip: Don't be deterred by misconceptions about staging. Staging is not decorating, it's a crucial real estate marketing tool for all homes. Stagers are not critics; they're allies who help you protect your equity.
©2009 Sandy LeRoy and Mary Stephens
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