In real estate does Staging a house really hellp it sell?

Question

I have heard of staging homes for sale and was thinking of getting into the business. But does it really work?

Is there a way to get into the Staging business inexpensively?

Answer 1

Most definitely...however you must know what you are doing ... and it's best to have a background in at least one area, mostly in decorator fields. Just think of any home you've walked into that is cluttered, dusty even dirty then think of the clean, clutter free homes you've visited...which do you prefer to spend time in? Staging makes clients and possible purchasers view the home not the stuff that is scattered within or outside of it.

Further, another thing you might think about is studying up on the placement of furnishing so that the arrangement of all things within the home bring serenity and a welcoming feeling to visitors and possible purchasers.

Try the following sites to determine for yourself if staging really helps and how you might get into the business:

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/stageahome Answers your question about is it necessary and does it help sell homes.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2073/how_to_stage_your_home_to_sell.html how to stage your home to sell, tips for staging that might be useful for you

Book review for a book that provides you with tips to staging: http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.NSF/pages/book200501041?OpenDocument and is linked to Amazon.com if you want to purchase

Another site about staging showing step by step photos and tips : http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/03/staging/index_01.htm

Staging Rules: http://www.globalspan.net/staging.htm

A google search re: staging homes to sell, home staging, homes staging business etc will garner you numerous other links to such things.

Further, you might want to incorporate some of the following as well to bring additional success to staging:

Staging a home with Feng Shui (as the site says it doesn't matter whether you believe in Feng Shui....) it does indeed work, I use this method first and foremost with much success... http://ezinearticles.com/?Home-Staging-with-Feng-Shui&id=179444

http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.nsf/pages/featurestagingapr03g Combines Feng Shui ideals with Northern Hemisphere staging practices

Books on Feng Shui Realty selling, how to stage with it: http://www.jamilin.com/Master_Secrets/Master_Secrets/Buy_Home_Smarter_%10_Sell_Home_Faster/

And again, many other sites that offer assistance in this area.

NOTE: If you are going to incorporate Feng Shui it is extremely wise to study this practice thorough and know the subject....I have used this practice on my own home as a test subject :) and it has certainly brought a much different look and feel that I recieve compliments on every time someone visits....the most often heard is how peaceful and welcoming it is, how content and how they would love their home to be like it and I've gained a number of clients by simply having them to my home and explaining what I do and how I do it....we've had a lot of realtors in the area approach us to sell due to the fact I stage the outside as well...Nope...not a chance :)

Good luck with this endeavor if you choose to go this way, it is challenging, hectic, sometimes frustrating, but such a rewarding field...particularly when the client or realtor calls to say, "Your staging made this house sell!"

Take care

Answer 2

In many areas it does. When I was in real estate we had two types of markets the Navy were houses turned over every 3 years and the houses were lower cost those houses did NOT need staging there were only two requirements the incoming person was looking for. Size and distance to the base. Then there were the Locals who had higher priced homes (after all in a navy community you are near water and beaches and that means $$$) with those houses The owners were frequently gone half the year and a good stager (including the GROUNDS OUTSIDE) was essential.

Answer 3

It absolutely helps. The first thing in staging you MUST do is to clear the clutter all over the house, in the closets and attic. Box it up and put in storage. Nothing puts off a prospective buyer than seeing other people's junk. Then take a look at each room and decide what would make it look most appealing. Make sure everything is clean and the house smells clean. Many people suggest baking cookies or apple pie to give it a "homey" scent. I disagree, I want it to smell clean. Good luck I think it's a real up-and-coming business, I've thought of doing it myself but can't figure out what to charge for my services.

Answer 4

It depends on the housing market. If you are in a buyers market, and in a competitive area, then yes. If you are in a sellers market, it makes little or no difference (I have seen pig styes sell)

My advice: Make your agent bear most of the cost of staging. It is there responsibility to pay for marketing, and this is definitely a marketing cost.

Answer 5

I have a friend who is a Realtor, he is very successful. He stages all of the homes he sells.

I think you're making a wise career move.

Answer 6

Well, unless "Sell This House!" is all a hoax, people have absolutely no imagination or even reasoning skills when they look at houses. They'll say things like, "Oh, I hate those curtains," or "Who would buy a house that's this cluttered?" DUH! So, yeah, apparently it does make a big difference.

Answer 7

absolutely, and you get a better price--a lot of people can't imagine what a home would look like if they see it empty or not fixed up or modernized.

Answer 8

whatever increases security and privace or enhancing the overall look will raise the price.

Answer 9

Bet my bottom dollar. People are so gullible these days.

Answer 10

not realy!! make sure u have a mentor when u start off!