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Staging: Do we or don't we?

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Home Stager with Cameo Home Staging

There are many opinions on the value of home staging.  Is it worth it? or will the property sell regardless of whether it is staged or not?  Is home staging all hype?  Isn't it all common sense anyway - why spend the money on having a professional home stager come in to do that which should come naturally?

To all those who agree with this - I say wake up and smell the coffee!  Yes there are many, many articles on the value of home staging surfacing on blogs and discussion groups.  Isn't this a sign that whether the comments are for or against home staging, the fact that it is even under discussion proves that it has merit and worth discussing.

The fact of the matter is that in this challenging market, we can do with all the help we can get to sell the property as quickly as possible and not having to sacrifice on the potential profit and in turn the commission earned by the realtor.  Yes there are some properties that show like model homes, but those are certainly not the majority.  In most cases hectic schedules and daily activities takes the "model home" to the cluttered home - not ideal for showing to potential buyers in a market flooded with properties to choose from.  If those who feel staging is just hype are really honest with themselves, they too will agree that it is easier to show a property that closely resembles a "model home" presenting the property at it's best potential.

Which scenario is better:  1) Leave the home unstaged and face a possible price reduction costing $$$$ for both the home owner and the realtor and running the risk that the property stays on the market for a lengthy period;  or 2) Spending a relatively small amount on home staging - far less than the first price reduction, and selling the property faster.  No contest here - it makes sense to have a professional home stager help to make those all important first impressions count!

I am of the opinion that in an ideal world all realtors should partner with home stagers to prepare the property before it's first showing.  

Comments(2)

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Michelle Molinari
FEATURE THIS... Real Estate Staging & Interior Decor - Lafayette, LA
Feature This Real, Estate Staging & Curb Appeal Concepts

Yes, in an ideal world, Realtors(R) would professionally stage every property, every time. 

However, in the here and now, they should at least cultivate a relationship with, and refer clientele to, a professional stager.

Real Estate Agents have a fiduciary responsibility to their clients to help them realize the maximum equity possible from their property. To assist and encourage buyers and sellers alike, take a percentage of the sale as one's share, and leave everyone with a good taste in their mouth in the end, can be more easily achieved with a staging strategy.

Buyers perceive the staged property as a their dream home, and act swiftly to secure their dream. The seller experiences little resistance to their asking price, because the buyer is smitten. Quality, contentious staging isn't smoke and mirrors. It is a judicious use of many skills to heighten buyer excitement for a piece of real estate. Emotion is what really sells houses. Location, amenities, price, all factor strongly, however,Nothing compares to the feeling like you are already home.

As ethical stagers, we are not "pulling one over" on a buyer and suckering them into a house they really don't want. We allow them to envision themselves and their family enjoying the home and one another, throughout the  entire house. They want that house more than anything else they have seen, and they happily throw their hat in the ring.

Once the deal is done, the Realtor gets to bask in the gratitude and pleasure expressed by his or her client, and mosey off into the sunset and onto their next listing that much faster.

It is a WIN (seller) WIN (buyer) WIN(Realtor) WIN (stager) situation.   

Staging isn't some new-fangled Hollywood gimmick. It's a proven technique used in virtually every major real estate market in North America, to an ever-increasing extent.   

But like every new concept, some will get it right away, and some will NEVER get it. Regardless, staging is here to stay.

We are the pioneers! 

Michelle Molinari, Feature This... Interior Design and Real Estate Staging

 

 

 

 

 

Apr 11, 2008 06:50 PM
Jeffrey Johnson
Home Staging Pros. Orlando Fl. 32801 - Orlando, FL
Home Staging Pros Orlando FL.
That is so true and well put.
Apr 16, 2008 12:03 AM