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Insanity = Keeping Same Listing Photos AFTER Staging

By Karen Otto

Home Stager with Home Star Staging

December 27, 2013 10:04 AM

I'm actually going to turn down a staging job if the client chooses NOT to have their home for sale professionally re-photographed.

I firmly believe that there is NO point in paying for staging if the end result isn't going to represent the product correctly or result in more buyer interest.

Keeping the same listing photos on a currently listed home (that has had no offers or major interest) AFTER staging makes no sense to me.

It's the old saying of; "why expect a different result when doing the same old thing?" I value my brand and my client's results too much.

Take a listen to a client who listed their home first un-staged unsuccessfully and after re-marketing with staging by Home Star Staging and professional photography by Unique Exposure Photography got a very different result almost immediately!

Sun room before staging & photos and after staging and photos

Think I'm crazy? I don't. I like to keep my sanity and my client's expectations in check by being realistic and setting a standard I can believe in.

kitchen before and after

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Contact Karen at 496-964-0516 or Karen@homestarstaging.com

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Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging

Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR

"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Hi Karen ~ I agree with you! When a home is staged and the old photos remain online .... it's a total waste of the investment in staging. I've never been able to figure out why this happens sometimes.

Dec 27, 2013 01:12 PM

Karen Otto

Home Star Staging - Plano, TX

Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes

Hi Maureen, I should further clarify that this is a vacant home too... the minimal investment in the photos is a key component of the success of the marketing & sale of the home. To NOT do this makes no sense to me and it happens more than I'd like.

Dec 27, 2013 11:07 PM

Julia Maher

Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT

Connecticut Home Stager

Un. Believe. Able. Well, good for you, Karen! Even if the listing agent uses your photos, they're certainly better than continuing to run the "Before" pictures. I've seen a rash of new listings where the houses are described as "all new", "updated", "totally renovated" - with no photos of the interior. HUH???

Dec 28, 2013 02:10 AM

Photos are truly the first showing Julie and not using current (and preferrably professional quality) is just bad marketing!

Dec 28, 2013 03:19 AM

Beverly Carlson

Carlson Properties 325-721-2429 - Abilene, TX

Abilene's Staging Realtor

Fantastic Client Testimonial. Yes, change the photos as soon as the house is staged.

Dec 28, 2013 01:33 PM

Anonymous

Lilly Rahbar

Great testimonial! I staged a home earlier this year and even after the home was staged, the agent took pictures prior to staging so that he can immediately list the home, but he didn't bother replacing the pictures after it was staged! It only takes a few minutes to upload.

Dec 29, 2013 04:44 AM

Thank you Beverly!

This happens way too many times Lilly both in the first time a home is listed and many times after it's been on the market for a while and then staging is utilized. Without the proper photos exchanged once the home has been staged, it's just poor business practice. It's like going on a dating website and putting your worst picture on just to fill the space that says "profile photo" then taking 2 weeks to upload a professionally shot picture - the damage and the potential dates are already done!

Dec 29, 2013 05:19 AM

Eric Kodner

Madeline Island Realty - La Pointe, WI

CRS, Madeline Island Realty, LaPointe, WI 54850 -

I've seen staging work wonders and I'm a believer. More sellers should take advantage of it.

Dec 29, 2013 11:49 AM

So great that you understand the value of stagin Eric! We need more Realtors like you!

Dec 30, 2013 12:12 AM

John Pusa

Glendale, CA

Karen - You are right. It is important to update listing photos after staging a home.

Dec 30, 2013 02:21 AM

Nichole

Yes! If not updating photos, then what's the point!

Dec 30, 2013 02:13 PM

#11

Thank you for reading John and Nichole!

Dec 30, 2013 10:20 PM

Sally Weatherley

EXIT STAGE RIGHT - Vancouver, BC

Vancouver Home Staging, Home Stager Vancouver, B.C

Karen - Well, call me crazy, but clients are nuts not to change out the MLS photos once the home has been staged. It's pretty much a no-brainer!

Love the kitchen photo - what a difference the painted bricks/cupboards make.

Jan 08, 2014 01:46 AM

Janelle Ancillotti

Seneca Home Staging - Syracuse, NY

HSR Certified Home Stager, Syracuse, NY

Karen,

Ugh! How difficult is it to change the listing photos? Are some agents too busy, or are they just lazy?

BTW, congrats on your RESA nomination!

-Janelle

Jan 13, 2014 04:56 AM

Wendy Tomm

Beyond the Walls - East St Paul, MB

CCSP, RESA-PRO, BBB - Wpg Realtors

Karen..you've done amazing work. Agree with everyone's comments above. We live in the 20th century so internet is how people find their 'new' homes. Best of luck.

Jan 20, 2014 07:23 AM

Thanks so much Janelle!

Thank you Wendy!

Jan 20, 2014 07:38 AM

Lynn Afton

Greenridge Realty Oakmont - Big Rapids, MI

REALTOR® Near Big Rapids, MI, Mecosta County

Beautiful before and after photos... nice work! Why would anyone not want current photos of such dramatic changes?

Jan 29, 2014 08:11 AM

Insanity = Keeping Same Listing Photos AFTER Staging

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