Do You Have Stage Fright?

As a home stager, I am called by real estate agents and homeowners to help prepare their properties for sale. While it is impossible to say how long the house would have taken to sell had I not been involved, I firmly believe that the changes implemented have made a difference in the DOM.

I could quote national statistics of staged vs. non-staged houses, but I don’t think they translate to Michigan or accurately reflect our real estate market. Things are a little different here in The Mitten. My fellow local stagers, across the board, have all reported good results with the properties they have staged. I can say with great confidence that staging works.

So, why aren’t more houses staged?

As I look around at all of the “For Sale” signs in Oakland County, I ponder this question. Is it fear of the unknown? Are people still unaware of home staging? Are real estate agents simply confident in their ability to tell sellers what must be done to sell? Are sellers afraid of stagers touching their “stuff”? Is there a misconception that staging is expensive and only for high-end houses? Are sellers non-believers? Are agents?

So, in the interest of full disclosure, here is a list of “wills” and won’ts” when it comes to staging.

A good home stager WILL:

• De-clutter
• De-personalize
• Organize
• Explain why we’re doing what we’re doing
• Edit furnishings down to the minimun needed in each room
• Re-purpose and work with what you already have
• Suggest specific accessories if augmentation is needed. Most will be able to rent to you from their own inventory for a nominal monthly fee
• Make the house look as up-to-date as possible
• Accentuate the focal point of each room
• Maximize positive features and minimize flaws
• Identify problems that need attention, such as cracks, water damage, unfinished projects, burned-out bulbs, odors, stains, worn hardware and fixtures, etc.
• Improve traffic flow
• Suggest neutral paint colors
• Create a warm, inviting feel that buyers will respond to
• Pump up the curb appeal
• Determine correct artwork placement
• Be the “bad guy”, since most sellers take suggestions better from an objective third party
• Refer sellers to trusted painters, handymen, cleaners, storage facilities and contractors
• Arrange for rental furniture if needed
• Improve every house, regardless of price, location or condition
• Treat your belongings with care
• Work WITH the agent to get the house sold
• Understand and respect that selling is an emotional process
• Be your biggest cheerleader and root for a quick sale

A good home stager WILL NOT:

• Hide problems by covering them up
• Berate your design choices
• Pretend to know if your house is priced correctly or being marketed well
• Charge you an arm and a leg for staging. If you have a budget limit, TELL US! We can suggest many low-cost or no-cost remedies that will help the property show better
• Use sub-standard garage sale furniture in your house (yes, I have heard this is a concern!)
• Be a go-between with your ex (yes, this has happened also)
• Throw anything away without your consent
• Sugar-coat the truth
• Second-guess the agent’s advice
• Clean the house, other than any messes we have made (i.e. we don’t do windows!)
• Insist that you install granite or gut your bathroom
• Dismiss your concerns
• Stop staging until your house looks it’s best

I hope this gives readers a better view of a home stager’s role and clears up any misconceptions. Getting the house sold is our #1 priority, and we will do whatever we can to that end. We have a passion for the job. Otherwise we wouldn’t put our bodies through the wear and tear of staging! For those that have been unsure or afraid to use a stager’s services, what not give it a try on your next listing? You just may become a believer too.

Go Tigers!

Written by Marianne Sweet
Home Sweet Home Staging, (586) 212-8400
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