Hi Cindy, I appreciate your feedback. My focus then will be the entry, kitchen and the masterbath. Thanks again!
Hi Sherry,
My two cents - It is not worth doing a sub standard job because the client is cheap than to cheapen what Staging really is. If you feel strongly about doing the work, then I would make sure whoever you are working with understands that what you are doing is "surface Staging," and will not have the same effect as a real staging job on a vacant house. The small decor helps add color, but it is not Staging - because the main areas of the house are not addressed and a buyer may still have a hard time envisioning living in the space with no furniture. It is better than totally vacant - but when our reputations rest on our results, it is important to make sure we send the right message about what we do.
It always amazes me that a seller will continue to make the mortgage payments on the house, but is unable to see Staging as an investment that will stop that situation and bring a buyer. One extra month with "surface staging" - and that mortgage payment they are making - and you could have used that $$ to do the job the way you really wanted to - and get the house sold more quickly. My experience after Staging over 2,000 houses rings true for me - I have surface Staged and regretted it because for me - it sent the wrong message about what Staging is and what it is not.
Good luck - I know when times are slow and we rely on income, it's hard to turn business away - and so work with what you have, and hopefully more clients that understand the true value of Staging will come your way!
- Jennie
Hi Sherry, me too. I often only stage bathrooms and kitchens, and if there is a foyer that too as it is the first impression of the inside of the house. It makes a tremendos difference. Not everyone can afford or wants to pay for full blown staging. Go for it!
Terry Haugen - STAGE it RIGHT!
For a kitchen and a small budget, only greenery and decorative accessories for the counters and above the cabinets since you have other rooms too. But I could include a table and chairs for that. Here in Texas though, it's a lot less expensive to stage I think than in other states. But I've heard I'm way to cheap! Hope that helps.
By the way...these new graphic words to type things in are really wierd!?
Thanks Cindy, that does help, and that's pretty much what I had in mind. I looked into renting a table and chairs for one month, but that would eat the entire budget! Thanks again for your help on this.
I don't envy you! I don't feel we need to stage every room to help buyers see the potential, but I'd do at least 3 rooms plus the entrance (inside and out).
I don't know if I would take the job myself...I don't know what you could do for the master-bed room. Just a kitchen and a bathroom...doesn't seem worth the investment for the agent...this is just my opinion though!
Hi Sherry, I do accessories only. Fake fruits, some artwork, cookbook, pickled vegetables or herbs in oil in nice bottles, greenry, and anything that goes with the kitchen. I will bring in two breakfast bar stools if there is one and set each place with dinnerware and placemats. But other than a few small accent pieces for the bathrooms, no furniture unless there is a foyer.
Terry Haugen - STAGE it RIGHT!
I want to thank everyone for their feedback and thoughts on this. I just returned a short while ago from staging this house on the $200 budget. It only took an hour and I have to say, this was a great lesson.
Obviously a larger budget would have been great, but adding just a few things to a few key areas DOES make a huge difference. I was a bit perplexed by this whole thing and didn't know if I could pull it off, so I dragged my husband with me for moral support and constructive feedback.
He told me that even though the house for the most part was vacant, he was drawn to the rooms that WERE staged. Kitchens are known to sell a home, so are great bathrooms and these are the rooms I chose to stage.
The last few homes I've staged have been for a builder with budget's ranging from $5,000-$10,000. When I discussed this job with my husband, I kind of turned my nose up a little at the thought of doing it, he called me a "Staging Snob" and told me I should be willing to help out the little guy too. He also said I was a great stager (gotta love 'em) and If I can stage for $2,000, I should be able to do it for $200. I hate it when he's right!
Well, I'm glad I did it and I think the client will be happy with the results, but more importantly, STAGING(no matter how small the budget) WORKS!
Great photos! So many times full staging of a vacant just isn't in the budget. I agree that little touches can make a huge difference! I do not see this as discounting. You charged a reasonable fee for the job you did and rented the accessories. Just curious, was the $200 for services, or did it include inventory and for how long?
Kim Dillon
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