Phyllis's Blog

Okay fellow stagers let's talk about this one. You are called by the realtor to consult on the possible staging of a home. Upon entering the home you notice certain things about the home that you know no matter how you "STAGE" the property buyers may not buy. SO WHAT DO YOU DO??

Before you answer, let me explain. It is clear that the house is old and has some structural issues. Issues like uneven floors, low ceilings, old bathrooms, etc...just to mention a few. Also, let me add that the budget is VERY limited, and does not include money to buy accessories. On top of these issues, you have clients that are pretty resistant to moving certain items out or may disagree with your "suggestions".

Okay, by now you are saying, why the heck did they have you come stage if they are not going to let you stage...right? Wrong, it is a gift from the realtor to the client and therefore while staging is unfamiliar territory to the clients, they do know SOMETHING needs to be done.  SO....what do you do?

This is not the first time I have entered a home like this. I have been in homes that ranged anywhere from $450,000 to $1,800,000.00 all with the problems that I mentioned. I love to look at pictures on the website of homes that have been staged and I must be the first to say that some homes are absolutely incredible. I know that when I enter a home like the one I just mentioned, that while I can do everything possible to make it more appealing, it will NEVER look like a model home.

Yes, we all know that these pics will not make our websites, but isn't it our responsibility and duty as a Professional Stager to help ALL clients improve the appearance of their home, no matter the circumstances or budget revolving around the home?

Every home can benefit from some kind of staging and every client deserves that opportunity. Do you agree? 

I seem to be coming across the same response from realtors lately and frankly I find it a little confusing. Who set the price of staging in stone that has frightened many people away?

Over the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of doing many presentations to realtors only to find shock on their faces when they hear my costs for staging an average home. Not shock in disgust, but a pleasant look of shock. Oh I thought Staging costs thousands of $$$. Hmm...is that why they are all not jumping on the band wagon?

Realtors, the beauty of Staging a home can run anywhere from $300.00 on up and yes if you want to fill every room with beautiful rented furniture it can cost a few thousand to your client. Is that always the case, NO!

The beauty of my company is that I will take what the client has and recreate a beautiful new space. Yes at times I need to buy slipcovers, throw pillows, tablecloths, shower curtains and other accessories to enhance the property, but I do so all within the clients budget.

Most times a client will have items that they have purchased for their new home but have it packed away. I will take those items out of storage and give them the pleausure of enjoying them now. 

Staging is not only for the wealthy! In today's market every home needs to be Staged and every home can now afford to do so....

Realtors, we are on your side and we are ready and willing to help your clients achieve the home of their dreams both now and when they move..Staging doesn't cost, IT PAYS!!

In today's competitive real estate market often times you will see (4) for sale signs on every corner. How does one choose which homes to see, let alone which ones to buy? FIT! Does it feel right? Does it suit your family needs?

Staging a home to sell is key to attracting buyers in this market. Many factors need to be taken into consideration that will appeal to all. Many buyers will shop on line before going to see a home. I too shop on line to see what homes need to be Staged. If I am calling a realtor to give suggestions on flaws I see, then you know that a buyer just clicked onto their next picture. While a buyer will not buy a home from pictures they see online they will definitely choose which homes to eliminate. CLICK onto the next!

A long time habit that I have had while driving, is peering into windows to check out the decor of homes. Come on you know you do that too. While I can assure you I am not a peeping tom, I can also assure you that some homes fall short. Some homes are so incredibly beautiful on the outside and upon a quick glance of the inside you are not immediately impressed. While the same could hold true for a home that is not appealing on the outside, the inside could blow your socks off...but will the buyer ever get out of their car to see it?

So what draws a buyer in? Haven't you ever driven by a home that was so gorgeous and appealing you wished you could go inside and see some more?  You know the home I am talking about. The one with great curb appeal, the manicured lawn, the white picket fence, the porch that says come and sit awhile.The kind of home that gives you that oooo, ahhh feeling. The home that says come on in and see what else I can offer you. You picture yourself entering and you see the Norman Rockwell family sitting around their dining room table. Well, it is not really the Norman Rockwell family but it can be yours soon. WHY? Because this home FITS!

I recently staged a home that had a beautiful warm country cottage feel to it. Upon entering the home for my initial walk through I immediately saw changes that needed to be made. Upon completion of my walk through I commented to the client "If I had a family of 4, I would notice that there is no where to feed my family" The homeowner was taken back by this comment and said that she is a single woman and had no need for a dining room as well as a large kitchen table for more than 2 people. After staging the home, there was dining enough for 8-10 people. FIT for a family of 1 or more!

Do you remember Goldilocks and the Three Bears? How did she choose which porridge to eat or which bed to sleep in? The one that suited her best! Remember, she always had three choices, just as many buyers have today. BUT...after trying each one she would always comment..this bed is too soft, this bed is too hard...but this bed IS JUST RIGHT!..PERFECT FIT every time!

Staging a home for sale FITS the needs of the buyers...