This blog was inspired by Phyllis Pafumi's blog on "When the budget is tight."
Phyllis, I have an idea about how to pay for the staging when the budget is tight.
What if, when you initially contract with the Realtor, you had a clause in the agreement that allowed for the initial cost of your fee to be paid up front, a discounted rental fee for your accessories and a stipulation that when the house was sold the balance would be paid from the commission? If you already have a legally binding contract for your staging business adding the clause as an option would not be such a big deal and it would be flexible for everyone.
Failing that option, perhaps the Realtor could work it out with the homeowner so that the homeowner would pay the balance at closing. 'Course, even with a contract this arrangement would involve trust. Without trust, the piece of paper is just a piece of paper, but I insist on having it, its just good business and it adds to the professionalism of your position as stager. It also adds to the perception of thoroughness and willingness to accomodate.
Seems to me that, though costs of staging can be intimidating, cash flow is the real problem. If the Realtor, or the homeowner has the option to pay in smaller amounts (al la carte staging) then it would be easier and more desirable. Just as with real estate transactions, flexible financing options can be worked out with staging. NEVER do this without a paper backup!
All of these things can be accomplished by teamwork. My PPP deals with the importance of the team, the Realtor, the homeowner and the stager, working together. I point out the role of each in the process of selling the home. The team members keep changing, but the process remains the same. I love staging as a business because of the creative fluidity of the options in getting the home sold.
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