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Inexpensive staging, an unexpected bonus for sellers

By
Real Estate Agent with Maui Earth Realty LLC

 

It all started when I got a listing that had a bathroom that was anything but beautiful, I decided to perk it up a bit,  I found that with a pretty shower curtain, matching rugs, towels, accessories and a silk flower arrangement, it showed great and sold shortly thereafter. The next condo listing I got had an ailing kitchen, off to Pier One and Macy's I went, there were new dish towels, with colorful rug, a rock water feature, an oriental tea pot with cups, and yes, more flowers. How fun this was! 

It wasn't until I decided to lightly stage an unfurnished unit at Southpointe in Kihei that I bought the teak furniture.  I already had the kitchen and bathroom staging items, now I  found a hand carved teak couch at a furniture sale, I knew it would be perfect, I went to Wildman Furniture in Kahului to get the perfect matching dining room set, more throw rugs and a few other nick nacks.  Now I had everything I needed to lightly stage any small home or condo. 

When I let my clients know that I have what it takes on hand to spruce up their unfurnished or not so beautiful home, they are so appreciative.  It's just a way of going that extra mile for my clients.  The only problem is where to store these Rubbermaid containers full of staging item's and extra pieces of furniture when I don't have any listings that require them?  I guess I'll have to make sure I always have lots of listings! 

            

       A living room staged at Palms at Wailea                 A bathroom in Keonekai Villages in Kihei                              

 

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Charlie Ragonesi
AllMountainRealty.com - Big Canoe, GA
Homes - Big Canoe, Jasper, North Georgia Pros
A Blog about styaging would be nice
Sep 23, 2007 11:55 PM
Faith LaRosse
Springer Realty Group - Limerick, PA
Serving Berks, Chester & Montgomery Counties

Karen,

   Never mind how envious I am of you to be in Hawaii--(you lucky girl!) interesting concept to offer your clients...you're right; space could definitely become an issue.

 

Sep 24, 2007 12:06 AM
Karen Willliamson
Maui Earth Realty LLC - Kihei, HI
Wailea Hawaii real estate
Oh, you are so right, I am soooo lucky to live Maui.  Yes I do think I need to add on to my home just to fit all my staging items.  :)
Sep 24, 2007 12:12 AM
Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary
LemonTree Realty - Orlando, FL
First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes

Hi Karen,

I have done the same thing. I would like to purchase some furniture items from this resale shop and use that in my vacant listings, my only drawback has been what to do with the furniture when it's not in use. I suppose I could get a storage place or maybe rent it to other realtors. If I rent it to other realtors then what if I need it when they have it. Dilema. Quick tip a lot of times there are more attractive and cheaper curtain panels that work great as shower curtains and since the shower isnt really in use you dont have to worry what kind of material is used, this is what the builders do in their models. 

Sep 24, 2007 12:13 AM
Karen Rice Keller Williams Real Est
Keller Williams Real Estate - Hawley, PA
Northeast PA & Lake Wallenpaupack Home Sales

I have thought of this myself - but the problem is where to put the stuff.  Such a great idea though!!

Another staging idea is to have a local furniture store park their wares in the house, of course leaving a business card on the coffee table or bedroom dresser - it's free advertising for the furniture store, and you don't have to purchase, and store the furniture yourself.  

Sep 24, 2007 12:14 AM
Sherri Elliott
INTEGRITY TEAM - eXp Realty, LLC - Flower Mound, TX
Great idea. We have stagers here that will do all of this and keep the items at their home. They go in and do a slight staging or a full makeover. They bring their own stuff too, set it up and take it down. It is pretty reasonalbe too..considering the time it takes to do it. It is GREAT!! Maybe you should offer your service to other REALTORS for a fee? For those who do not want to do it themselves.
Sep 24, 2007 12:16 AM
Karen Willliamson
Maui Earth Realty LLC - Kihei, HI
Wailea Hawaii real estate
We have staging companies here also, but they are quite expensive, though, most everything on Maui is expensive.  Love the idea of using a regular curtain for the shower.  Such great tips!!!
Sep 24, 2007 12:30 AM
Simon Conway
Orlando Area Real Estate Services - Orlando, FL

I have done this myself - and in fact a lot more than this too! We also have companies here that will rent you furniture on a month by month basis which can sometimes be a useful way of dealing with things. They also deliver, set up where you want it and take down too.

I was in Maui in March - I miss it!! :(

Sep 24, 2007 12:36 AM
Al Maxwell
Keller Williams - Marietta, GA
Real Estate Agent
Very nicely done and an excellent suggestion. Thanks for the great photos.
Sep 24, 2007 12:56 AM