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Stage or Not to Stage Your Property When Selling

By April 22, 2014October 5th, 2018No Comments
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There are arguments to stage a property, and not to stage a property; believe me, I have heard a lot of them. Janet Jones, came up with a very poignant list as to those reasons why you should not stage. Every argument makes sense, but honestly staging make money sense.

Stage or not to stage

 1.  We want to test the market for 90 days.  And on the 91st day?  Price reduction–and 90 days worth of potential buyers who have already eliminated your property.

2.  It costs too much money.  I have never seen a home where the staging costs would have exceeded the first price reduction.  And that doesn’t even factor in the monthly carrying cost of the home.

3.  We can’t stage the house, we’re living in it.  One common misconception is that staging is only for vacant homes.  Every home/condo can be staged, and you can actually live in it after staging.

4.  We didn’t have to stage any of the other properties we sold over the years.  Back seven or more years ago this was true, not now.  Buyers are picky and they have a lot of homes to choose from.

5.  Everyone loves our house so buyers will love it, too.   I always love this one. Being objective is one of the toughest things for any seller. Sellers are often baffled by the feedback they get after showings–amazed that buyers have found things they don’t like about the property.

6. We can clean the carpets and declutter without someone telling us how.  Yes, you can (and should) do this, but it is a tiny piece of staging.  Do you know what separates  “clutter” from “asset”?  Consider what about all the other things that staging encompasses. Itmes like traffic flows, highlighting architectural features, updating, and appealing to your target market?

7.  We have no desire to remove/change our _______________ (wallpaper/mirrored tile/gold faucets/paneling/dated light fixtures . . .).  And neither do buyers.  The thought of removing these things might be daunting to you, they also are to buyers and they will negotiate deep discounts in your asking price.

8.  The view alone will sell this place.  Then why many months later are these great view homes/condos still on the market?  Could it be that buyers want something to go with the view–like a comfortable, move-in ready home?

9.  We would rather let the buyers makes their own paint/flooring choices.  And that equals a price reduction.  If buyers do make an offer on your home they will double or triple the cost of these items and reflect that in their discounted offer price–which includes a deduction for the inconvenience.

10. Our home is professionally decorated.  A professionally decorated home is tailored to the owner’s particular needs.  Does it work for the new buyer’s needs?  You could see #1 above . . . .

These are all great reasons–

  • for price reductions
  • for extended time on the market
  • for buyers not coming to look at your home
  • for buyers not coming back for a second look

There are dozens of reasons not to stage, but only one good reason to stage–getting your home sold faster for the highest possible price.  Staging is preparing your home for sale and creating a home that buyers want to buy.

If you want to be in the best competitive position in this market today, consult with a professional home stager.

 

Karen GP

Author Karen GP

Karen GrayPlaisted is the principle owner of Design Solutions KGP. She is a graduate from Pace University and The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. Her marketing background and design sense are a perfect combination for home sellers. In the first year she began her staging business, she won the ‘Rising Star’ accolade from RESA, selected from all North American stagers, USA and Canada. In 2016 she won top Occupied Stager in the USA. Karen’s ability to educate and empower clients using simple solutions allows homeowners to transform their spaces with desirable affordable decadence.

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