Special offer

Staging for the Inaguration

By
Home Stager with Preferred Staging, LLC

I received a phone call the other day from a gentleman who owns a house in Maryland, not far from Washington, DC.  He's preparing to move at the end of the month, and wanted his house staged to help facilitate a quick sale.  But he also had a means of helping to pay for the staging, and that was to rent his staged house during Inaguration Week for visitors!

It's quite a clever plan.  Hotels in the area are already booked solid, and of course it would cost a tremendous amount of money for a family of 4 or 5 to stay in a hotel - even one in the suburbs - and to pay for meals and transportation, etc.  This house will be vacant and staged, and would certainly be more comfortable for a family or small group to stay there.  There is a bus stop at the corner, and it goes to the local Metro station, which goes right into Washington, DC.  Transportation issue solved.

I will be meeting with the owner next week, and with local rental companies such as American Furniture Rental providing all the necessities for such a situation, I'm sure it will all work out.

I wonder how many other sellers are considering the same?  It seems to me to be quite a viable option on many different levels.

All the best!

 

 

Sandra Hughes
Redesigned Spaces - Northern Virginia - Fairfax, VA
Redesigned Spaces - Fairfax County, Virginia

Monica - very savvy home seller on both the renting during inauguration week and contacting a stager.  Maybe I should "rent out" my extra bedrooms that week!

Nov 14, 2008 05:18 AM
Donna Schoby
Liberty Bank of Arkansas - Bentonville, AR

Monica, What happens if something happens to the furniture or you're missing items.  Will you be liable or your client? I use my own inventory when I can because I don't have any good rental stores here, but when I do have to rent it is under the condition that it's for props only and not going to be used. Your rental company may be different. Just a thought.

Nov 14, 2008 05:31 AM
Monica Murphy
Preferred Staging, LLC - Potomac Falls, VA
ASP, IAHSP, RESA

Sandra - I'm thinking the same thing!  I just got an email notice that school will be closed on Monday adn Tuesday so students and teachers can participate in the Inaguration.  That's a first!

Donna - If the home owner doesn't want to supply various necessities, like kitchen ware, then I'm sure I can rent it from American Furniture Rental.  One of their main business models is to completely set up an apartment or home for a few months' rental, such as for someone who is relocating to the area and needs to live some place while they work & house hunt.  I've never used that part of the company before, but I'm sure they will accomodate my client.  As for my own accessories - I'll limit that, and rent most from AFR, as they already have contracts in place for this very purpose.  I may add wall art, maybe some faux greenery, etc., which can easily be replaced.  Also, my Letter of Agreement does state that my inventory in the house is the responsibility of the home owner, so if anything should happen, then they have to pay for a replacement.  I'm sure that the home owner will also have a rental contract that will cover any damages. 

Nov 14, 2008 05:57 AM
Lanre-"THE REAL ESTATE FARMER" Folayan
Samson Properties - Bowie, MD
I don't make promises.I deliver results.SOLD HOMES

Monica like you said just about every hotel is booked. People living in Washington DC got crazy prices posted on Craigslist as far as how much they are willing to rent their house just for the Inauguration. Its wild. Have a great weekend.

Nov 14, 2008 06:20 AM
Donna Schoby
Liberty Bank of Arkansas - Bentonville, AR

Monica, I don't have any rental companies in my area that offer anything like that. It sounds like a great idea for your area. Good luck, let us know how it works out.

Nov 14, 2008 08:49 AM
Michelle Pimentel
Empire Home Staging Solutions - Upland, CA
ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging

Monica,

This homeowner is definitely going to be able to rent out his house!  On top of that,... he should make enough to pay for the staging and take a vacation at the same time of the inauguration! Have FUN with your staging!

Nov 15, 2008 06:40 PM
Lynn Crawford
A Different View - Olney, MD
Staging DC & Maryland

Monica - I've considered seeing what I could get for my house during Inauguration week - I'm only fourteen miles from DC. The best listings on Craigslist are those where homeowner's are looking to trade. Anyone want to trade their home in Hawaii for a week to come to DC?

Nov 16, 2008 02:11 AM
Juliet Johnson
Vizzitopia - St Johns, FL
Jacksonville Photography & Digital Marketing

What fun!  There are folks living near PGA golf courses that make a fortune when the tour comes through, so why not this!  You'll have such fun getting it organized -- don't forget to have red, white and blue all over the place.... or not, maybe?  What's your thought?  You'll need every issue of O magazine for sure!! <evil grin>

Nov 16, 2008 08:23 AM
Kym Hough
www.Staged-to-Sell - Danville, CA
Staged to Sell East Bay - Danville, CA

Great idea. American Furniture Rental are my favorite rental company in that area and they have such wonderful product. I am sure the house will look great. I rent furniture to occupied homes all the time. The owner is responsible for the condition - makes sure its in your contract. Kym

Nov 17, 2008 01:26 AM