Jim Basquette CRS, CNE's Q&A

An abstract of title will vary depending on the attorney but I would estimate $100.

I think you are missing the point in asking buyers which rooms they want staged.  Buyers don't "want" homes staged any more than consumers "want" to see advertising. Buyers want to see homes that appeal to them and fit their needs. Staging helps buyers see the potential of a home and allow a home that doesn't show it's true potential to now appeal to them.  It's like advertisng can help consumers see that the new technology device or car or whatever can make their life better, easier etc.  It showcases the benefits of a product so those who can benefit from it can see why they should buy it. Car buyers don't "want" cars that are detailed ot shown under lights that make the finish shine, they want cars that look good and make them feel good driving them. Home buyers are the same.It's sellers and agents who want homes staged.  Sellers want to sell and buyers want to buy.  It is up to the sellers and agents to increase the odds that the buyers will buy yours.  Ask a professionsl stager or an agebt who truely understands staging this question, not the buyers. 

Cost to the seller is one of the reasons I provide professional staging at my cost. I sell more homes than 98% of all agents in my MLS and 25% of those sell in 30 days or less and at or above the list price. Staging certainly helps and that is why I am willing to pay for it. It is difficult to explain the benefits to sellers or other agents.

I agree that cost is a factor, but dont agree that is should be. I believe in staging and provide the services of an accredited stager on all my listings.

It all depends on timing.  With the decline we have had in the last several years, most people are not making money unless they bought about 10 or more years ago.  I have had 4 personal residences that I have sold in my life and made money on all except the one I sold last month.

Georgianne,It depends on the Realtor you choose, the way you prepare your home for sale and the price you choose.  If you choose the right Realtor, they can help you with the other items and will market your home correctly.There is a link to an article covering how sellers should choose a real estate agent in my profile.  Click my name then scroll down past the testimonials to the article links.I wish you much success in your sale.

There are two reasons to remove the photos.  As others mentioned, one is to de-personalize the home and let buyers envision themselves there and the second is to avoid distractions.  When buyers visit homes, they can easily be  distracted by photos to see of they know the sellers or in collections of things the seller has.  For those reasons, my stager and I recommend sellers remove these items before putting the home on the market.  You want potential buyers to notice and remember the home, not the collections or people who live there.The way you live in a home and the way you sell a home and two completely different things.

I would accept a contingency notice but only with deadline and a "no notice" clause where the seller can keep the home on the matket and accept another offer for any reason without notice.In a "no notice" offer you are also free to accept other "no notice" contingency offers.  If any notice is required you cannot.

The cost can vary depending on what is needed.  I always pay for an accredited stager on all my listings because I realize the seller may not understand the benefits.  It is usually just a few hundred dollars and if there is furniture rental, I have the sellers pay that.I am convinced it is well worth the cost.

When representing sellers, I always consider an offer with a pre-approval letter (with a $ amount above the list price) a sign of a good qualified strong buyer.  If we receive an offer without the letter, without a $ amount or below the $ amount the seller would counter offer at (if there would be a counter offer), Depending on the circumstances, I recommend they not accept the offer until we get one.  An expection is that we accept the offer with a contingency that they provide one within 3 days.  I our MLS, we have 3 days to take the home off the market once an offer is accepted.  If no letter in 3 days, no acceptance and the home never goes off the market.When representing buyers, I alway require they get a pre-approval letter with a $ amount at their max price of a home they would consider.  Again this is a sign of a strong buyer.  Strong buyers have a better chance of getting their offer accepted and at a better price.