QUESTION: Advertising a home as "professionally staged" Good or bad idea?

Many stagers commonly advertise their services in a vacant property after it has been staged in the manner that you describe. It is certainly a way to get exposure to other realtors that will be touring the house. I occassionally see properties advertised in my local newspapers as staged. I think it is used as a way to generate additional interest in a property. I do not think either is viewed negatively.

I think it's a good idea.  It seems like a good way to promote the concept of staging, among Realtors and the public. When they see how nice your listings look, over time some people will catch on. 

I suppose a possible negative is borne out of misconceptions about what staging is. I guess if you feel like you are getting fewer traffic through your listings, it might be a concern.  But I think overall it would be an education, and the bottom line is, staged homes are more appealing to buyers.

I think it is a fabulous idea!  I actually frequently tell my agents to advertise the home as professionally staged.  Many agents will come to see what you do only to stay and see the home itself.  We find when they are advertised as professionally staged that there is greater attendance. 

I have a different take on this from the others that have commented.  I currently use no form of advertising within the homes I stage; no rider, no brochures not even a single business card.  This is a decision that I made a couple of years ago.  For me personally, I want the star of the show to be the home I've staged.  I've always felt that if I were to put emphasis on me/my company that it somehow defers the attention. 

Now with all that said, I do see how it could further market my service.  It's just not a strategy I want to use at the present time.  Things could change; we'll see.

Kathy

Gretchen ~ For vacant homes, I leave a 5"x7" sign that says "this home professionally staged by ..." inside the home, usually next to the realtor's materials.  Every home I stage is also a marketing opportunity and I've received many of my new staging jobs from realtors who call and say, "I saw your staged property at xx street and liked what you did. Can you help me?"  In an occupied home, I don't leave any materials since I'd be unable to ensure the home stays "staged" the way I left it.  For me, leaving any kind of sign outside or on the lawn would seem tacky but another good reason not to is that it's an open invitation to thieves that says "Hey this vacant home is full of beautiful furnishings ... come help yourself as no one lives here."

Gretchen - Nice Last Name

I think that you have to advertise on the inside of the home, I totally agree with Maureen.  We do basically the same - only I cheat a little bit.  I use a beautiful 8x10 frame with a really nice paper that I have transferred our logo on and place our cards in front.  I make it part of the decor.

If staging is non-existent in your area, you need to help make it happen by showing your stuff.  Placing my cards and sign at vacant homes is in our contract.  My business is based on referrals and Realtors and clients who have seen our work.  I do not advertise in occupied homes.

I also do not place signs outside for the same reason Maureen discussed.

Good Luck to you.

Twice I have had some buyers during showings of one of my listings say "this home looks like it was staged" in an obviously negative way.  When I asked why, they said that it is not how people really live!  (The sellers really DID live that way, though, the home was not staged)  :)

Gretchen, I agree with Debbie, advertise inside the home.  Visitors will want to know who made the house look so wonderful.

I have a yard sign the size of a realtor's sign, that I use for vacant homes I've staged.  For occupied homes, I do not leave a sign or any materials (like Maureen said, you can't guarantee it will stay staged). 

As far as my sign being an advertisement for thieves, the vacant homes I've staged have been model homes for builders and they have had security alarms.  Also, my furnishings are insured, so if something were to be stolen, at least it wouldn't be a total loss.

I often go to the weekly Broker's Caravan meetings as an affiliate. The top agents with the most listings always make sure to say in the presentation that the home is staged and to put it in the MLS notes. It gets more agents in the door, whether for the staging or for the house. Once in the door, they get to see what a great listing it is, or they will remember the house if they are acting as a buyer's agent. Everyone wants to list a house that shows well, and show a house that looks great. I think advertising that the house is staged will get more agents and potential buyers to come see it.

Gretchen, I say go for it - how can you get the word out about staging if you don't advertise your presence?  Also, when viewers see how nice the house looks - they will want to know where to go for your help.  Betty

Gretchen, I think you absolutely should promote your professional staging particularly with all the recent new staging shows... Please share your photos and let us know.. God bless,

In Mass. a realtor can't comment on who staged the property, etc.  If you market your home on MLS just make sure what the rules and regulations are.

I would absolutely say it was staged and you can always leave brochures, cards in the house, but my guess is that you will get calls even if you don't state who staged it.

Joyce

Gretchen,  I think it depends on the property.  For a vacant property (agents and buyers will obviously know if they are looking at a vacant or occupied house) we leave a stand of brochures in the kitchen so other agents will know how to contact us.  We also stage the master closet and bling our logo all over it.  It is a fun and unexpected area to "mark your territory."  For occupied homes we stay on the down low.  The house is supposed to show as if the sellers have been clean and respectful of the property, not living in clutter and chaos.  We do have yard signs that we place in the front only on the staging or de-staging day.  We advertise while we are there (we could be mistaken for maids or robbers).  Having permanet staging signs in place could spark some curiousity, but we feel it might send the message that the house has been "ridden so hard that they had to call in some professionals to straighten it out."  I'm sure everyone else's plan works for them, this is just what works for us. 

Good luck,  Honey

I agree with Honey, if it is an occupied home mums the word but if it is vacant advertise.

Since your the Seller you won't have to ask for permission.  I like the idea of adding it to my contract.  So far I've only had one realtor asked if I would give her a discount and that in return she would let me set up my information.  I just told her I've never had to do that to be allowed to place my cards and or brochuers in the staged home and that my prices are so reasonable that I can't go lower.  She didn't like my answer.

Quite a few of my clients have been from cards I've left in my staged home.  I say GO FOR IT!

I say why not!  In the last 3 houses I've de-staged, I noticed someone had put my marketing materials in the cabinet, it makes you go hmmm!