What does Staging cost?

Fees are based on several factors – what services we do (Written Consultation or full home Staging), the size of the house, and how much needs to be done. A written consultation might run anywhere between $200 and $600, and a full home staging might run anywhere between $400 and over $1,000. I will always come look at the house first, discuss the options, and give you a free estimate. Remember though, THE INVESTMENT IN STAGING IS ALWAYS LESS THAN YOUR FIRST PRICE REDUCTION!

So a Stager will come in and do all the work?

We will come in and do full house Staging, that includes moving furniture as needed, re-arranging items as needed, and some light packing. If we suggest any home repairs or painting, we can make recommendations on expert contractors for those issues.

What if I want to do it myself?

Having a Stager do a written Consultation Report is the way for you to go then. The Stager will prepare a room by room report on what they suggest the homeowner do to ready the house for sale, and then the homeowner implements the report. When all work is completed, the Stager will return and “tweak” as needed.

My Realtor already made some suggestions. Why do I need a Stager?

Just as your Realtor is an expert and has the training, background and experience in how to price and market your house, a Stager is an expert with the training, background and experience in how to Stage your home for the best results. It’s important to use a Stager who is an expert in transforming your home into a house that appeals to the largest number of potential buyers, and let your Realtor spend their time bringing in the potential buyers. It’s a team effort – you, your Realtor, and your Stager.

How long does it take?

This depends on what services we are doing for you and how much work there is to do. A written Consultation Report requires from 2 to 4 hours at the house by the Stager to take notes and photographs, then within a couple of days the Report is given to and gone over with the homeowner. A return trip by the Stager once the homeowner has implemented the plan usually runs about an hour.

If we are doing a full Home Staging, we will usually need a full day or two to complete the project, again dependant on how much we need to do. We will give you an estimate up front.

Do we have to be at the house the whole time you are Staging?

No, in fact we prefer the homeowners not be at the house during Staging, as it tends to be too distracting for both the Stager and the homeowner. If you feel more comfortable having someone on site during the Staging, we’re more than happy for the Realtor or someone else designated by the seller to be present.

When should I have my house Staged?

The ideal time is before you even put the house on the market. First impressions are lasting impressions, and you want your house looking it’s best when that first group of Realtors come through, as they are the ones who will recommend the house to their clients.

I’ve already been on the market several months. Is it too late to Stage it?

It’s never too late. We can come in at any point and make that difference in how your house markets. Just remember that after we’ve Staged it, you or your Realtor need to take new photographs of the listing, and even hold a new Open House or reintroduce it to the Realtors in the area through their caravan again.

I think my house looks fine, but I’m not getting any offers. What’s wrong?

The way you live in your home and the way you sell your house are two different things. You have decorated and lived in your home in a manner that most appeals to you and your lifestyle. You may have certain collectibles that mean a lot to you, or items of furniture that are too comfortable to want to give up. Even color schemes you use in your home reflect your personality. But now, it’s no longer about you living in the house – it’s about someone else wanting to live here and bring in their own personality. It’s critical to neutralize, open up and remove the excess to allow potential buyers to see there is space for them. After all, they aren’t there to buy your personality and memories, but to add their own. Call us and we can make that very thing happen for you.

I’m not using a Realtor, rather selling For Sale By Owner. Do you also Stage FSBOs?

Certainly! We are here to make any house look it’s best, no matter how it is being marketed. We will also provide you with photographs we take after the Staging is completed for you to use in your marketing tools.

We’ve already moved out of the house, so how can you help me with my vacant property?

Usually a totally vacant property comes across as too cold. Some simple Staging can make a world of difference in how the house shows. We can either bring back in some items you already have, or we can provide items we carry (for a small rental fee as needed) to create an appealing sense when people come through. We can also arrange furniture rental through Cort Furniture Rental, passing along to you the Stagers discounts we receive.