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Replies (9)
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26816
"A do-it-yourselfer can get it done in a weekend and it's expensive." If that is the case, what is the return on an expensive return on investment?
Hopefully the photo is an example of before staging. I particularly like the sign at the head of the stairs.
Hopefully the photo is an example of before staging. I particularly like the sign at the head of the stairs.
- Nancy Lee, "An OrderLee Home"
- Contributions:1195
Stagers are not decorators. We are not designers. We do not create beautiful, colorful rooms oriented towards the lifestyle and pleasure of the family living in the house. We create generic, simplified products designed to appeal to the maximum number of potential buyers. What we create is beautiful, but in a neutral, let-me show-you-the-room-not-the-decorations way.
Most stagers are not decorators. Most decorators are not stagers. Some do both jobs, but most of us do not because the goals are very different.
Now, get those throw rugs off the floor. They are going to look great in your new house. But in this house, in the product you are selling, throw rugs just pull buyers' attention to the floor too early - before they are finished appreciating the vaulted ceiling. You are selling the floor. Clean it, make it be the best it can be,
And, get that colorful blanket off the headboard. We are selling the size and wonderful layout of the master bedroom. Don't distract buyers by making them stop and wonder why you store your blankets there.
Most stagers are not decorators. Most decorators are not stagers. Some do both jobs, but most of us do not because the goals are very different.
Now, get those throw rugs off the floor. They are going to look great in your new house. But in this house, in the product you are selling, throw rugs just pull buyers' attention to the floor too early - before they are finished appreciating the vaulted ceiling. You are selling the floor. Clean it, make it be the best it can be,
And, get that colorful blanket off the headboard. We are selling the size and wonderful layout of the master bedroom. Don't distract buyers by making them stop and wonder why you store your blankets there.
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25139
LOL I guess I'll have to take that colorful blanket that I got my headboard for Christmas back then. Good thing I remembered to get a gift receipt.
Happy New Year Nancy!
Happy New Year Nancy!
- Nancy Lee, "An OrderLee Home"
- Contributions:1195
Sunny, you are the fastest reader and type-er in the where-ever-you-are!
- Susan Alvarez, "BoulderSuZ"
- Contributions:44
Many thanks for the feedback!
LOL! Yeah, those are inexpensive as in not expensive spotlights that can be added.
And, I suppose you could say that is a "before" picture. The after picture is not available at the moment because this house is sold. I may post other examples later.
These are - again - inexpensive things that can be done. My advice for sellers is to stage their homes because everyone is doing it now that the real estate market is soft and sellers are trying to give their home an edge. They should go the extra mile and add some more lighting, splash some paint on a wall, and of course, de-clutter. Throw rugs, pillows and blankets are an easy way to add color to a room. Of course, every situation is different. If the room already has plenty of color, then, of course, there is no need. The picture I offer is a good example. They underplayed the potential of this house.
If you're a home stager, you might have your own bag of tricks that you regularly dip into and offer in addition to your 30-second pitch. Stimulating interest is a good way to generate business. I'm not interested in staging someone's home.
You might do simple marketing, too. Maybe at NAR conventions? For myself ... I offer friendly assistance to homeowners who may remember my name and that I offer listing services. Many agents throw out ideas because they see a lot of homes. These are also suggestions I might offer in a discussion when I'm making my pitch for a listing. For some homes, I may ask if the homeowner has considered staging - if I think they will benefit. Right now, some owners of upscale homes are pulling out the stops to get an edge in selling their homes quickly. Some neighborhoods are more competitive than others when it comes to home staging. After years of doing this, I know to do the research. I tour homes all the time.
I was a design consultant for six years, and I've been exposed to a lot of ideas, too. I'm happy to pass them along. BTW: A ready source of ideas come from homebuilders who pay handsomely for great design schemes and staging. At open houses, sellers can sometimes walk through and find out who is doing staging - who hired a pro and who does it well. I keep a few business cards, too, especially when I come across really great staging.
And by the way, the decorator reference was offered in a light vein. As in, gee I'm not a decorator. I need ideas for home staging. Personally, I think decorators have great ideas. And some of them are inexpensive.
Have a great week!
SuZ
LOL! Yeah, those are inexpensive as in not expensive spotlights that can be added.
And, I suppose you could say that is a "before" picture. The after picture is not available at the moment because this house is sold. I may post other examples later.
These are - again - inexpensive things that can be done. My advice for sellers is to stage their homes because everyone is doing it now that the real estate market is soft and sellers are trying to give their home an edge. They should go the extra mile and add some more lighting, splash some paint on a wall, and of course, de-clutter. Throw rugs, pillows and blankets are an easy way to add color to a room. Of course, every situation is different. If the room already has plenty of color, then, of course, there is no need. The picture I offer is a good example. They underplayed the potential of this house.
If you're a home stager, you might have your own bag of tricks that you regularly dip into and offer in addition to your 30-second pitch. Stimulating interest is a good way to generate business. I'm not interested in staging someone's home.
You might do simple marketing, too. Maybe at NAR conventions? For myself ... I offer friendly assistance to homeowners who may remember my name and that I offer listing services. Many agents throw out ideas because they see a lot of homes. These are also suggestions I might offer in a discussion when I'm making my pitch for a listing. For some homes, I may ask if the homeowner has considered staging - if I think they will benefit. Right now, some owners of upscale homes are pulling out the stops to get an edge in selling their homes quickly. Some neighborhoods are more competitive than others when it comes to home staging. After years of doing this, I know to do the research. I tour homes all the time.
I was a design consultant for six years, and I've been exposed to a lot of ideas, too. I'm happy to pass them along. BTW: A ready source of ideas come from homebuilders who pay handsomely for great design schemes and staging. At open houses, sellers can sometimes walk through and find out who is doing staging - who hired a pro and who does it well. I keep a few business cards, too, especially when I come across really great staging.
And by the way, the decorator reference was offered in a light vein. As in, gee I'm not a decorator. I need ideas for home staging. Personally, I think decorators have great ideas. And some of them are inexpensive.
Have a great week!
SuZ
- SteadyState
- Contributions:783
Staging should only be done if the costs come out of the agents commission. After all the purpose is to quicken the transaction at the best possible price. If an agent suggests staging (i.e., is unable to get the same price in the same time without staging) they should pay for the staging.
- klnc2010
- Contributions:33
I think HGTV and "staging" have really made a mess out of selling your home. If you watch House hunters, Sell this house etc, all of the buyers say and expect the exact same thing..."I want stainless steel appliances, I want hardwoods, I want granite...blah, blah, blah" Does anyone have an original idea anymore? My paents are trying to sell a 10 yr old home on a golf course and are being told it is "dated" yes, their furniture is dated, but YOU ARE NOT BUYING THE FURNITURE!! They have added granite, they have hardwoods, they have some borders in the 6 bedrooms, the house is immaculate, no pets, no stains, beautifully landscaped. THey are pushing 80 yrs old, they want to move to a villa, they are not going to buy new furniture to SELL a house. Do you realtors inform these buyers of this fact?
- Margaret Oscilia, "creativeconcepts"
- Contributions:43
I agree with Nancy Lee's advice on staging. Often agents have a staging checklist or ideas that aren't in line with what a professional would recommend. It is like selling FSBO or hiring a real estate agent -- if it isn't a simple situation things can get messed up! Agents we work with don't ask their sellers if they have considered staging - they advise their clients that only 10% of listings are selling in our area and those that do are well prepared - repaired and staged. In the hundreds of homes we have worked with, even the best decorated and expensive ones could be improved to give a better impression in photos and for showings.
I love SteadyState's comment above too. Staging costs aren't the responsibility of the agent any more than carpet cleaning expenses in my opinion. Buyers are shopping for lifestyle and convenience and when they "fall in love" with a house are compelled to make an offer. Staging is a tool to market your home and yes frequently agent share in the cost, but if you want to sell quickly isn't it your responsibility to have the best possible product prepared for sale. It's the agent's job to sell the home, not prepare it for sale.
I love SteadyState's comment above too. Staging costs aren't the responsibility of the agent any more than carpet cleaning expenses in my opinion. Buyers are shopping for lifestyle and convenience and when they "fall in love" with a house are compelled to make an offer. Staging is a tool to market your home and yes frequently agent share in the cost, but if you want to sell quickly isn't it your responsibility to have the best possible product prepared for sale. It's the agent's job to sell the home, not prepare it for sale.
- Susan Alvarez, "BoulderSuZ"
- Contributions:44
Hello KInc2010,
After 25 years of selling homes, I often think I've heard it all.
If it's genuine feedback, the response should be: "Yes the furniture is dated and it will be gone when you move in." And then have a feature to pitch while you have their attention. For instance, you might draw attention to a stairway bannister with great craftsmanship or the upgrades you describe.
If the home is staged well, the furniture won't matter a lot. You might want to take a more critical look at what you have done - just to be sure. If there is a chance that a "comfortable" chair might be detracting from the otherwise great look, it should go into storage. I'll forewarn you, though. Mom and Dad are in a difficult transition. Handle the staging subject with care.
Most of us accumulate things over time. So, if there are things that can go to storage, it's going to help the cause.
I often send people to model homes or open houses for ideas and to size-up the competition. Keep in mind many homebuilders use undersized furniture and they have other cheats. The models always seem more spacious. If you study what is going on, the home has accent pieces - and not an accumulation of items on display. There is at least one part of the house that has been showcased particularly well. The guideline of "less is more" is definitely in practice.
If someone makes the kind of remark you just heard, they may be tipping that they just came from a model home.
Don't worry about it. New is new. Pre-owned is a different market.
If they just came from an open house down the street, my first chore would be to go and see it.
The picture on this page shows a house that was de-cluttered and thoroughly cleaned. The seller had accomplished an important objective. It helped that the home was located in a park-like setting and was priced right. It sold quickly.
Best,
SuZ
After 25 years of selling homes, I often think I've heard it all.
If it's genuine feedback, the response should be: "Yes the furniture is dated and it will be gone when you move in." And then have a feature to pitch while you have their attention. For instance, you might draw attention to a stairway bannister with great craftsmanship or the upgrades you describe.
If the home is staged well, the furniture won't matter a lot. You might want to take a more critical look at what you have done - just to be sure. If there is a chance that a "comfortable" chair might be detracting from the otherwise great look, it should go into storage. I'll forewarn you, though. Mom and Dad are in a difficult transition. Handle the staging subject with care.
Most of us accumulate things over time. So, if there are things that can go to storage, it's going to help the cause.
I often send people to model homes or open houses for ideas and to size-up the competition. Keep in mind many homebuilders use undersized furniture and they have other cheats. The models always seem more spacious. If you study what is going on, the home has accent pieces - and not an accumulation of items on display. There is at least one part of the house that has been showcased particularly well. The guideline of "less is more" is definitely in practice.
If someone makes the kind of remark you just heard, they may be tipping that they just came from a model home.
Don't worry about it. New is new. Pre-owned is a different market.
If they just came from an open house down the street, my first chore would be to go and see it.
The picture on this page shows a house that was de-cluttered and thoroughly cleaned. The seller had accomplished an important objective. It helped that the home was located in a park-like setting and was priced right. It sold quickly.
Best,
SuZ
Home staging - everybody's doing it!
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Contributions:44Staging has become a given in this market. You're not a decorator, you say? Well, everyone in this market is. Here are some quick tips homeowners can do to make their home more marketable:
1) Make the best feature a showcase. If that's the fireplace, then add some spot lighting. A do-it-yourselfer can get it done in a weekend and it's expensive.
2) Splash some paint on a wall. If the house has good paint, some more color can help showcase a room.
3) Throw down a few throw rugs. Add some pillows to a few rooms.
4) Reduce the number of items in the house. The idea is to make the rooms look larger. And BTW: Remove any personal photos. Buyers can more readily put themselves in a house if they don't see Uncle Fred wearing lamp shades at the Christmas party.
5) Brighten a bedroom by throwing a colorful blanket over a headboard.
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