I think it does help give the picture to a client. We don't do furntiture, but add touches such as towls in the bathrooms and a few kithcen items to make it a bit more homey.

We go FULL on with our staging. We recently staged a new construction townhouse with almost everything. It really makes a difference. We currently have 2 sets of furniture. The Pottery Bar/Crate & Barrel style (www.12SpringGardenSt.com) and the Ikea/Target style (www.1411WashingtonSt17.com) depending on the type of property.

there are also times that we can just go in to someones house while they are living there and use their items to stage. Lord knows we have all had to do that. DECLUTTER!!

I staged a flip I did recently and I think it made a huge difference in the time it was on the market. Plus I left the couch and loveseat for the new owners since it was exactly what the wife wanted. I will be doing it again.

Recently I've had buyers who didn't like staged homes. They wanted to see the homes empty.

I only stage with towels, candles and a few knick knacks. I don't use furniture. I think staged homes are great but I don't have the time or space to store all that furniture. Renting some would have to be from somewhere like Aaron's or some rent to own place. The closest staging rental company is in Atlanta and they won't deliver 40 miles North.  The thing that bothers me the most is when they use fake food to stage a meal. I don't understand why? Please explain why they do that.

In this very competitive market staging is but another "tool" to get our job done....SOLD.  I have used staging techniques (often without the use of a professional where the seller was not out of pocket such as moving clutter and excess furniture to garage, moving wall art around, etc.) and I am convinced that it works.  Just be certain that the changes that you suggest are appropriate and in line with what a certified designer would have in mind or just go ahead and use the professionals.....it's worth the bucks.  Remember the first rule of staging is a SPOTLESS home inside and out.

Just went on a preliminary listing appt for a Seller who has been around for a while, but is now very motivated due to a change in his personal life.  Very nice man with a very interesting job (underwater exploration, excavation, and archaeology) that takes him all over the world.  He has collections that are amazing, just not to everyone.  He actually has an older model submersible suspended from the ceiling! I half expected to see some shrunken heads as I was walking through!  I didn't, but that doesn't mean they're not there.

Anyway,  we discussed what he has to do to prepare for sale.  We discussed the usual paint, clean, polish, powerwashing, etc. and then.......with a twinkle in my eye: "You'll have to start packing anyway to paint, etc, now's a good time to start."  He chuckled and agreed.  We discussed staging and agreed on a plan of action.

I find that "staging" is an added value.  I know a professional stager and she does a great job but it can be pricey.  In doing research on staging, I've realized that there are things many of us can do to help stage a home.  Even those of us who are "design challenged", like me.

A strategically placed tea set in one of my previous listings actually sold it!  

Staging is necessary these days, I believe.  My only caution is: Don't make it too sterile.  It still has to look like a home that someone wants to live in.  That has been the complaint I've heard most about professional staging.

Do you charge for staging or are you including this in your commission?

I have made suggestions to my clients (as I am sure we all have) but I wouldn't do the work and include that in my commission.  They should either pay you or a professional for this service.

Jana

Something that has stood out in mind all of the time is: "If I can smell it - I can't sell it!!"

We haven't started charging yet. BUT, we may start after our last experience. If we need to outsource the staging then we tell the seller to pay.

We (mostly I) will give staging advice.  Remove this peice of furniture, move this there, that there, clear the kitchen counters COMPLETELY.  Most of our clients like and want, but my family is the most resistant!!  I have helped both my brothers whip their homes in shape for sale this year, and we had the largest fights.  Hello, I do this for living.. just deal with it for a couple of weeks and lets get your house sold!!

Oh, well. family.. can't pick them, can't lose them.

shelly

I will assist with decluttering with clients who are at all receptive. I do feel that homes with odd floor plans show best with rooms staged. Otherwise a few vignettes can do the job in a vacant home.

I've been considering taking a staging class. Any recommendations?

Trying this again.  Roberta, I stage my homes and condos.  I have them pay for changing light fixtures, hardware, door knobs, etc.  I neutralize the home so that the consumer can see his/her lifestyle in the house.  If it is a house - landscaping is so critical - I purchase the plants, bushes and the client pays for them.  No peeling paint allowed.

New construction - I put in serious accents and light furniture.  Gets me a contract every time.

What bugs me is when you have a stager thinks they are the Realtor and advises the seller/builder about the market when they don't know what is going on or where that buyer is coming from.  How many houses have they sold?  I may get blasted for this but staging is an art, skill that doesn't require much education, if any.  As Realtors we have continuing education, classes, courses, seminars that are mandated or we ourselves elect to attend to be one of the "top" in knowledge as a Realtor.  Don't get me wrong, there are some good stagers out there.  However, they need to keep within the realms of their field as a Stager and qualify that when they are working the people we refer them to.  It is not the Stager's job to coordinate with the Realtor on how to get a house sold.  There are boundaries.  I've heard of this happening in Grand Rapids, Michigan and a Realtor friend of mine in Pennsylvania.

Beth, it is worth it to taking the staging classes.   It is added value that your clients would benefit from financially.

Well, I used to prefer empty homes but I have sense changed my mind.  Most buyers, especially women, react much more strongly to a well-staged home.  In fact, we have been considering selling our own home- we wouldn't list it until after we moved out- and staging has been in the forefront of my mind...

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I've been to several empty homes lately that haven't even been cleaned- I'm talking disgustingly filthy.  As a Realtor, my sign won't go in the yard of an empty house in that condition.  I would either ask the owner to clean it, make an attemt to clean it myself or hire a service to come in...  

I agree about the cleaning. If it IS going to be empty at least it can be clean. Good for you Laura for making a stance!

Joe since you mentioned the smell - empty houses get a odor too, we get a few well placed light scented plug ins.  I do think people buy will all their senses and smell is very important.  

Roberta if you do the staging for free then it is part of your commission.  I know when things are enjoyable and it doesn't seem like work we tend to do it as a favor!  But when your clients start giving referrals they just might tell everyone they know that you will do this service for free and it will be expected.  They may even expect you to pay for the rentals.  You have the certificate perhaps you should offer free advice but if you do the work change a fee.  I am sorry to go off on this tangent, it just seems will all the controversy on what we should or should not get paid - that the consumer expects more and more for free!  And to pay us less and less!

Jana