Beware of False Economies - Part Two

The two key areas to evaluate when preparing your house for sale are its condition and cosmetic appeal. To sell for maximum profit, you should invest in professional guidance in each area, and do any recommended work before you list. Avoiding the expense of a pre-listing home inspection to determine the condition of your house is a false economy that can have adverse consequences. Another is failing to have a pre-listing consultation with a professional home stager to learn how to present your house at its best in pictures and in person.

Staging is the application of design principles to real estate marketing, with a forty year record of success in all market conditions. Sadly, not enough REALTOR®s value the contribution staging makes to a successful sale. Some of those who do value staging say they can stage your house themselves and save you money. Although they mean well, don’t be tempted because many REALTOR®s

•  want your business and a good relationship, and can lack objectivity.
• don’t want to offend you or hurt your feelings, and are often reluctant to be candid.
• aren’t professionally trained and experienced as stagers and usually don’t know the best (and lowest cost) solutions to recommend.
  

Don’t expect your REALTOR® to do your home inspection – or stage your house!

In the last few years, people from a variety of occupations entered the field of staging and declared themselves “professionals” - after a three day course. Others simply opened a staging business. Interior designers, furniture dealers and specialty contractors also added staging to the services they provide. Stagers aren’t equally qualified. 

 A professional stager has a depth of knowledge in interior and exterior design (especially color theory), as well as landscaping expertise, combined with years of experience working with sellers and REALTOR®s. The advice of a full-time, professional stager is essential to present your house at its best, and costs only about $150. Considering the significant profit that staging adds, don’t choose the false economy of getting staging advice from amateurs and “risk losing a lot for a little”. Call the stagers you are considering and ask about their training and experience, including references. Visit each stager’s web site.