In our continuing series on real estate staging, this week I am focusing on the basics: what a stager does, who should utilize a stager, the advantages, and more. Who better to get answers from than someone who does this for a living? I had the opportunity to chat with Stephanie Dakin, a Peninsula Real Estate Stager, who works for several agents, including her husband, Loren, and her in-laws Valerie and LJ Dakin, at Alain Pinel in Woodside.
Stephanie reinforced much of what I wrote about in last week’s post, particularly that the idea is to depersonalize, declutter and detail a seller’s home to give it a ‘model home’ appearance so that potential buyers can envision themselves living there.
What does your job as a home stager entail?
Home staging is the art of furnishing a home temporarily—with the intent to sell. Staging can involve anything from rearranging existing furniture to completely furnishing a vacant house.
Who should stage their home?
Anyone selling their home who is looking to receive the highest price for their home in the least amount of time on the market.
Does the whole home need to be staged, or can someone make do with just a living room or bedroom?
A seller can certainly choose to have only one or two rooms staged, but the process of staging is about detailing the entire home. Excess has to be removed and clients are often confused about what constitutes “clutter.” That’s why enlisting the help of a stager is really invaluable. The way people live in their home, and the way they should show the home to sell it are often two different things.
What are the advantages/benefits of staging a home?
The advantage to staging a home is really simple. When a home has been staged and depersonalized, it has the ability to appeal to the most amount of buyers. A home filled with personal photos, memorabilia, and even furniture that is placed to fit the comfort of the homeowners, makes the statement that this is someone else’s home. A staged home is given that “model home” look which is important because a potential buyer is given the opportunity to envision themselves living inside the home.
Where to clients come from?
I am contacted most frequently after a Realtor or client has walked through a property that I have staged. Usually they start off by asking me if I could do the same job for them.
When do you typically first meet with a client?
I first meet with a client very soon after they have discussed their interest in staging a home.
How long is the process from first meeting to finalizing a staged home to go on the market?
Depending on schedules, a seller can decide to stage a home and have it staged within 2 to 3 days if they wish. Sometimes it’s a bit longer if they have decided to make other improvements like painting, removing or replacing carpeting, or refinishing floors. I am there to make recommendations for all of the above upgrades. Staging is definitely a team effort!
What are the costs?
Staging costs vary from home to home. It really depends on the size of the home and what will be required to give the home a “model look.” Sometimes all that is needed is to simply rearrange what is already there, and other times it ‘s necessary to bring in new furniture. This is always discussed with clients. It is ultimately their decision. Staging costs can range anywhere from $500 to $5000. It all depends on the home.
How are the costs covered?
Staging is often paid in two parts. There is a design and accessory fee that the stager receives. There is also usually a furniture rental fee. This is paid either to the stager or to a furniture rental company. The design and accessory fee is paid upfront for obvious reasons, supplies, etc. The furniture rental fee can be billed to escrow, if clients prefer.
Is this a feasible service for lower-end homes in the Bay Area?
I believe it is a feasible service for anyone. There are variations of staging. Accessory jobs, for example, can lower staging costs because rental furniture is not used. Accessories are brought in to blend with the homeowner’s belongings.
Final Thoughts…
Staging is an invaluable service to enlist when you are selling a home. You only have one chance to make a first impression…staging your home will accentuate all the wonderful qualities it has to offer, some of which you might never realized it had. It can be difficult for homeowners to make the decision to stage and invest in something that they are not sure will make a difference, but it is a fact that staged homes sell faster and for higher prices than homes that are not. 95% of the homes that I stage sell for over asking price, even in today’s market. Staging makes all the difference in the world!
Finding a Stager
Most realtors are familiar with the practice of staging, particularly in the Bay Area, and work with one or more stagers to prepare a listing for sale. But should you want to do a little research on your own and/or hire a stager independent of your agent, there are a multitude of organizations to help you do so. Here are few national associations:
RESA: Real Estate Staging Association
ASP: Accredited Staging Professionals
International Association of Home Staging Professionals
Home Staging Resource
United States
Canada