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Step by Step: The Staging Process for Realtors

By Kimberly Wester

Home Stager

December 30, 2006 06:21 AM

steps

It seems there is a lack of information available to Realtors about how the process actually works. It really is very simple, but lacking clarity on the Realtor's responsibilities may be what is holding some agents back from using the service. Here is a simple outline that may help you navigate your way into adding a stager to your team:

1. Find a Stager.

2. Introduce the concept of Staging to your clients.

3. Set up a meeting with your client and the Stager. They will determine what needs to happen next.

4. The Staging Consultation/Bid.

5. Staging work is completed in a timely manner coinciding with your marketing plan.

6. Market the house.

See? It really is very simple. Now, I know you may still have a lot of questions based on these steps, but never fear. In upcoming blogs, I will expand upon each step with more detailed information. But as a Realtor, you really have a limited amount of work to do in the staging process. If you have partnered with a professional and organized stager, she/he will complete the work necessary within your expressed time frame and keep you informed every step of the way.

As an Accredited Staging Professional, I believe that communication is the key to a successful staging experience. If you have specific questions about these steps, feel free to post them here and I will answer in the corresponding blog.

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Eddy Martinez

Nationwide Funding Group - Highland Park, CA

Thanks for the info Kimberly, you are right there isnt much info on HOW staging works but you have taken care of that :) , Happy New Year!!!!

Dec 30, 2006 06:34 AM

Maureen Maureen

Orangeburg, NY

Kimberly - it really is that easy. All I ask Realtors to do is mention staging as an option to their listings. That is it. It's not that hard. In return they may just get a faster more profitable sale. It is a win, win.

Dec 30, 2006 12:05 PM

Kim Hilgenberg

Ultimate Home Stager - Topeka, KS

I provide the realtors that I work with information (brochure) that they can use as part of their listing presentation. Then the homeowners and realtors are able to discuss the marketing tool. However, I find that a lot of homeowners are willing to try staging after the house has been on the market for a while insteadd of prior to going on the market when the staging would have the biggest impact.

Kim Hillgenberg Ultimate Home Stager 785-266-0080 ultimatehomestager@cox.net

serving northeast Kansas

Dec 30, 2006 12:18 PM

Kimberly Wester

Valparaiso, IN

Eddy - Thanks for confirming my suspicions. If you know anyone else in your position, please refer them here. I will try to answer all of their questions.

Maureen - It is the simplest thing in the world, but I really believe most Realtors are uncertain about their role in the process. When I have spoken at office meetings, I've done my best to walk them through it, but their meetings are so full, I suspect most of them don't remember. If they have a blog to refer back to - with detailed information- it can only benefit us all.

Kim - I provide brochures as well, including statistics, photos, etc. That is sufficient for the Realtor that has experienced the process, but I think first timers are hesitant to jump on board due to lack of experience. If they have never done it before, how do they explain it to the client? It is just like playing a new game - you kind of understand the rules as they are read to you, but a walk through the first round makes everything clearer.

We as stagers do a great job of explaining what staging is and what's in it for them, but it is new in most areas - including mine - and if more agents get on board because they feel they have a better understanding of how it really works, that's great for all of us.

Dec 30, 2006 12:41 PM

Anonymous

Kim Hilgenberg Ultimate Home Stager

Kimberly & all

I agree with your last comment SOOO much. I have done some local realtor board in-house training for the realtors. I do local trade shows and expos so I can get out and talk to the public and explain what home staging is and how it works. I have also done mass mailings to all of my local realtors with information. Another industry that finds themselves at "wits-ends" and really appreciates some help is retirement/nursing homes. Often the families and/or homeowners going into the home have enough stress... they don't want to think about getting their house ready to go on the market. Please let me know what other avenues you have taken to educate realtors and homeowners. I appreciate your thoughts.

Kim Hilgenberg, Owner Ultimate Home Stager 785-266-0080 ultimatehomestager@cox.net

Dec 30, 2006 11:28 PM

Val Allocco

Staged 2 Sell New York & Long Island - Northport, NY

HSE; ASHSR - Home Stager, for Manhattan, Brooklyn & Long Island

Kim,

Great blog - very insightful! How would you go about getting information to families of people in retirement/nursing homes (great idea, by the way...I have thought about newly built retirement communities, but not what you suggested).

Dec 31, 2006 01:19 AM

Kate Hart

Hart & Associates Staging and Design - Radnor, PA

Kim,

Wonderful post. It really is that easy. One thing I like to tell Realtors is that staging is the FIRST part of their marketing plan and should be done BEFORE the house is put on the market. So many Realtors still think of home staging as a last ditch effort to sell a house that has been on the market for months and has taken 2-3 price reductions when in reality if they had staged the home BEFORE they put it on the market it would have sold faster and a lot of times for more $$.

Another thing is that some Realtors are scared to discuss staging with their cliensts because of the idea that people need to SPEND $$ to sell their home. I find that it is useful to give the Realtor an idea of what staging costs. In our area we charge $300-500 for a consultation. This is less than the cost for a Realtor to take an ad out in the paper. I ask them - What is more effective, making a great first impression on other agents and buyers? Or taking an ad out in the paper for an open house that people may or may not attend and arrive to find a poorly prepared home? A staging consultation costs a lot less and makes a greater impact on the saleability home (and the Realtor can write off the expense as part of their marketing budget if they choose to pay for the consult!)

Dec 31, 2006 01:32 AM

Anonymous

Kim Hilgenberg Ultimate Home Stager

Val,

I have teamed up with a Property Management company and a Realtor. We have sent out introductory information to the retirement/nursing homes. That way if the family/homeowner wants to rent their property they have that option also. And if they want to sell, We can help. Either way, the home will need to be prepped to be sold or rent... That is where the home staging comes in. I am also able to help with updating, painting, repairs, moving, etc. I follow up with phone calls to the admissions director and will provide information that can be part of their packets for new residents.

Kim Hilgenberg, Owner, Ultimate Home Stager 785-266-0080 ultimatehomestager@cox.net

Dec 31, 2006 01:35 AM