Staging It's Not Sticking Something In A Corner And Calling It Done

I once staged our home while my wife was away and she came home and UN-STAGED it all...Stick with a professional on this subject because opinions may not hold

I have known a few real estate professionals, who were also excellent stagers. One of them that easily comes to mind is William Johnson of San Diego.  However, William has a strong background in interior design.  Not all agents can pull it off, and that's when sellers should consider hiring a professional stager.

It amazes me how many people can't see past an empty room. A bedroom is 12'x12' and buyers say it is too small. I wonder how big they think the kid's bed is?

These are great services to add to your listing - sounds like your clients get a great value with you!

Seeing a home totally empty would give a blank canvas to a potential buyer versus a room that looks like some items might have been "left behind" and having the buyer wonder or ask "do I have to deal with these things"?  I would say go full staging or none at all!

Lots of the properties here are vacation rentals. No staging there as they are fully furnished. Not all perfect but works.

Staging really does pay off in the end spend a little up front to get the home SOLD. Thanks for sharing have a great afternoon.

I've always wondered how to learn to stage homes better. I like your idea of keeping small vignettes of staged rooms.  Good way for me to learn. 

I've encountered stagers who completely ignore the need for smooth traffic flow and an open feel.  One stager we tried last year in our Minneapolis office insisted on filling every corner and open space with little "Bombay" tray tables, sofa tables, magazine racks and floor vases.  I don't like to argue with a stager, but sometimes you have to point out the obvious.

Way too many homeowners do not understand the need for good staging whether it is with their own things or if we bring in professional help for staging.  Either way it needs to be done correctly.

I agree.  A weak attempt at staging is worse than no staging at all.  If you're going to stage a property, do it properly so it creates a comfortable, inviting space.

Yep, the oddly place items in a vacant home that make you stop & go 'why?'  It's like they are distributing decorating leftovers from another staging job that wasn't done quite right or the props are too old.

I see this a lot, realtors that think they can do a stagers job. I don't try to be a realtor, they shouldn't try to be a stager. 

Cindy - oh my this is so true! I especially like the agents who have taken a class in staging and then tell their seller/homeowner that they can do it and the homeowner doesn't have the bother spending the money. I can always tell by exactly what you've described. OR, the agent goes over to the sellers home and tries to 'help' them. Thanks for your post!

I see lame staging jobs all the time. Just saw one in Haymarket where a few plates and napkins were set on counter, and a rug and a plant was placed at the fireplace. That was it. Some agents just insist on insulting the intelligence of every buyer out there. Do they really think that will help sell a home?

Cindy, I have also staged a couple of homes. I find that sometimes just moving the furniture around makes a huge difference in the flow of the house.

It has always amazed me how much staging does to improve the first impression of a house.

Cindy, I see this often.  Realtors who think they can pull off a professional staging look just because they went by a staged house and took a few looks or because they looked on Pinterest.  While Pinterest is a great, great tool for finding new house looks, realtors should leave it to the pros to create the best look for an open house.

Cindy, it happens so often. Sometimes homeowners think that 'they know all' - and want to save money. Does it really work that way? I guess, no!

I agree, and do think that often a home can be staged well without bringing in extra items. It is just amazing what an impact a professional stager and photographer can have on buyer's impressions.