My Real Estate Stager

Staging FAQ’s…

Why should I hire a Professional Stager?

We are trained to see your home objectively and through “buyer’s eyes”.  We make design recommendations based on our training and expertise, and turn your home into a powerful marketing tool to get it sold!   Statistics show that staging significantly reduces the amount of time a property is on the market and increases the sales price.  The longer a home remains on the market, the lower the selling price and the fewer number of showings.  Because we emphasize the best features of your property while improving or downplaying the less marketable features, our services directly enhance its appeal to buyers.

How do sellers and realtors benefit from working with us?

Both sellers and realtors benefit from working with My Real Estate Stager because the seller receives top dollar for their home.  Since the staged home normally sells quicker and for more money than an un-staged home, the realtor earns more in commission and spends less on advertising.

Why can’t I do it myself, or have my realtor stage my home?

Realtors should spend their time doing what they do best: marketing and showing their listings to potential buyers.  Homeowners would rather know their realtors are focusing on their job instead of spending hours re-arranging furniture, shopping for accessories, or managing repairmen.  Most sellers cannot successfully stage their homes themselves because it’s impossible to be objective.  Our homes are our most personal possession and it’s very difficult to be objective when your emotions are involved.  The professionals at My Real Estate Stager have been specifically trained to make changes that deliver the biggest bang for your buck.

I have a limited budget and don’t want to spend another dime on this house.  Can’t I just sell it like it is?

You can, but selling your home “as is” give the buyer negotiating power.  However, a staged home is much more non-negotiable.  Since staging is less expensive than a typical first price reduction, spending a little up front saves most sellers thousands in the end.

Will I have to buy a lot of new furniture, appliances or other items to stage my home?

No!  Professional staging re-arranges existing furniture and accessories to give the home a fresh look.  We may simply ask you to make a small investment of fresh paint, decorative items, or a piece of furniture to create a look that draws buyers in (and can be taken to your new home).  We will fix and update your decor using what you already have.  Whether or not a purchase is advised, you always control the final decisions.

When should a home be staged?

Ideally, a home should be staged BEFORE your realtor sets the price, before photos appear online, before the broker’s open house and before the sign is in the ground.  Your listing will see the most activity during the first week or two on the market, so it is important to stage your home at the beginning of the process for the most impact.

Is it too late to stage my home since it’s already on the market?

Definitely not! Staging a home after it’s listed can still improve its sales potential.  If staging occurs after the initial listing, we will recommend new photos for online purposes.  We will also work with your realtor to schedule a new broker open house.

How does redesign differ from interior decorating?

During a redesign, we help you step-by-step to update your bathroom, kitchen, color choices, tiles, selection, etc. By working with you or your contractor, and keeping your budget in mind, we do as much or as little as you want or need.  We can show you ideas online, or answer your questions by phone.  Interior decorators make their income on high end furniture, window treatments, etc. and gat a percentage of the cost of those pricey items.  Instead of purchasing costly furnishings and accessories, redesign helps you save money by guiding you through all of your purchasing decisions.

Why can’t buyers just look past the decor and envision themselves living there?

Only 10% of buyers can visualize the potential of a home.  Most buyers cannot look past a cluttered or unappealing room.  And while most of them start out looking for a home based upon logical criteria, for example, 4 bedrooms, family room with a fireplace, they end up purchasing based upon an emotional connection they feel when they’re in the home.  When a house feels like home, they will re-prioritize their list.  They may be willing to give up the fireplace because staging has transformed the property into a dream, and they can envision themselves living there.

What should I expect during a consultation?

We will spend 1-2 hours at your home discussing your needs and expectations.  Taking detailed notes, we will do a walk-through of your home and determine what furniture and accessories we can work with and what, if anything, we should add.  After this, we will give you a tailored proposal based upon your preferences, budget, and time constraints.  Upon selecting a service, we will do a more thorough review of your home, take photos of each room and develop an action plan specifically designed for you.

Why should I choose My Real Estate Stager for my staging or redesign services?

Our proven, 8-step process and detailed proposals are designed to highlight the positive aspects of your home and attract the attention of buyers.  Cosmetic enhancements are recommended ONLY when there is a potential Return On Investment (ROI).  Customer service and satisfaction are of the utmost importance.  In addition, we also try to have fun during this process!