STAGING - THE KEY INGREDIENTS
Remember that the cost of staging a home is a lot less than a price reduction, and that staging can help you get results if you have the two most important ingredients: an open mind and a willing attitude.
STAGING - THE KEY INGREDIENTS
There are lots of elements necessary for the most successful use of staging, like doing it early in the home selling process when it has the chance to be most effective, but even more important are sellers and agents with an open mind and a willing attitude.
Sometimes home sellers are reluctant to work with a stager because of concerns that she'll critique their decorating choices or make major recommendations they won't be able to implement. Sometimes agents are reluctant because of concerns that a stager will upset their client, or because they don't realize that having a stager on their team will make it stronger and give them a better product to sell. Sometimes both parties are concerned about the cost of staging and sometimes they just want to put the house on the market right away, whether it's ready to be seen or not. Unfortunately presenting a house that doesn't look its best will result in lost opportunities because it won't inspire positive word of mouth, much less top offers.
If you're a seller, these concerns are understandable, but staging will work for any home and any budget, large or small, so be positive and learn what it can do for you. As a professional I bring a "no-fault" attitude to my work because I know that the way we all live in our homes is a lot different from the way the home needs to look when it's for sale. I also take a very practical, down to earth approach to what I recommend, and I recognize that each seller's situation is different. So don't worry! I'm there to work with you and your agent to help you get the very best results, and I do understand that not everything I suggest will be practical for you. All you have to do is be receptive, approach the recommendations with an open mind and ask questions if you don't understand why I've made a particular suggestion. My recommendations will emphasize things that cost little or nothing to implement, like early packing and re-arranging of furniture and accessories. If I see other things that I think should be done I'll include them in the recommendations, but a lot can be accomplished without spending a great deal of money.
If you're an agent, think of a professional stager as a member of your team, and think of staging as a marketing tool that will help you get the results your clients want. After all, staging has been around for a long time and it really does work. As the housing market changes, staging is becoming an even more crucial way to compete against the other houses in a given price range.
Remember that the cost of staging a home is a lot less than a price reduction, and that staging can help you get results if you have the two most important ingredients: an open mind and a willing attitude.
