Question: Do I really need to stage my house?

Answer: House staging is recommended for homeowners who are serious about selling their house in the shortest possible time. Consider this scenario: Two comparable homes are for sale in the same general area. House A was staged and is in excellent display condition. House B was not staged and may have some design issues. Which house do you think buyers will be most interested in? Statistics show us that homes that are professionally prepared for the real estate market sell in one-third less time than homes without stages.

Question: My real estate agent told me to wait for the stage, is this good advice?

Answer: The sooner you organize your house, the better it will be for you. If your agent told you not to show up or to wait for the stage, your real estate agent may not fully understand the staging value of the home. Some agents are concerned about recommending more out-of-pocket costs for their clients. It’s a noble but not necessary concern when considering home staging. The organizers work with the real estate agents as a team, and most organizers will be happy to answer any questions that the real estate agents may have regarding the preparation process. Realtors may not know it, but organizers can be your biggest asset in marketing a client’s home.

Question: How do I choose a scenario?

Answer: There are many things to consider when choosing a stage. Before you hire a set designer, consider these qualifications:

• Look for credentials. A good set designer will be professionally trained in the principles of staging and design.
• Ask for references. An experienced set designer will have references and a photo gallery of personal projects.
• Interview your stage manager. Most staging businesses are independently owned and will operate differently from each other.

Question: Can I organize my own house? o Can I have my friend organize my house?

Answer: It is best to use an independent scenario consultant who has an objective view of your home. Professional scenario handlers are specifically trained to find and remove obstacles that could interfere with the sale of your home. Homeowners and friends who are familiar with a home may find it difficult to apply design and staging principles to areas to which they are emotionally attached.

Question: Doesn’t staging cost a lot of money?

Answer: The staging, like all quality services, is not free. Staging costs can range from $100 for a consultation evaluation to $2,500 for full staging services (actual costs will vary based on price and business location). Think of the cost of staging as an investment in your home that will save you time and money when your home is listed. Statistically, the investment of staging a home has a return of approximately 120%; (For a $1,000 staging project, a homeowner can see a return of $1,200 when he sells his home. Statistics cited from http://www.stagedhomes.com, with permission.) The conclusion is that Your investment in staging will typically be less than the first price reduction on your home! Can you really afford not to stage your home?

Question: Staging and decorating are not the same thing?

Answer: No. The staging and decor are at different ends of the spectrum. Staging uses proven techniques that create an emotional response in buyers; thus generating greater interest from buyers. Interior decoration uses design and decorating principles to showcase the individual tastes and styles of homeowners. When you decide to sell your home, you’ll need to put personal styles aside to make your home appealing to the largest number of buyers.

Question: How do I start?

Answer: Ask your real estate agent if his agency provides staging services or staging referrals. Otherwise, to find a reputable mounting professional in your area, visit Staged Homes.

Your home may be the biggest investment you make in your life. When you’re ready to list your home, don’t sell your investment short. A properly prepared house will sell in the shortest possible time while receiving the highest offers. For more information on staging, visit KFM Staging & Design.