What should savvy realtors know about real estate staging?

Because staging is still relatively new in the midwest we still get a lot of questions from realtors about our services.

Many realtors say they already "do their own staging"... which I think is great. But in this world were time is money, my question back to realtors often is: "Is staging the BEST use of your time?" Is chasing a dust bunny, scheleping a coffee table, or arraging nic-nacs really what you want to do? Just something to think about...

Anyway to help realors understand and work with our staff better, we actually have a brouchure directed right to the realtor so that they can WORK IT RIGHT.

Staging has become a leading-edge marketing tool for real estate professionals to present sellers for their consideration. Knowledgeable, resourceful, and savvy realtors are suggesting real estate staging to home sellers to more effectively market and sell their homes.

It is important that the realtor keeps in mind that real estate staging is NOT just renting furniture… it is much more. And the stager’s fee is typically the seller’s expense, not the realtors!

When should a seller stage? To get the most out of staging, its best to stage a property BEFORE it is listed. Staging can move the listing price to the top end of the property’s possible price range. But if the property is already listed, INSTEAD of a price reduction, consider staging. Real Estaging can be less costly and have more of an impact.

We have also found that realtors are at times reluctant to suggest staging out of the fear that they think the seller will feel that the realtor is adding ANOTHER FEE on top of what they are already paying. To lessen the fear, let us discuss our services and fees directly with the home seller. This keeps the home seller from feeling as if additional fees are being tacked on by you... but still makes the realtor look cutting edge.

Well that's enough ranting for now...
Craig