FAQs for Home Sellers on Home Staging

How long will it take to stage my home?

This varies based on the size of your home, what is needed to best market the property, and the experience of the stager.

Overall, I find that an average occupied home can be staged in 8 hours or less, and a vacant home in 2 days or about 16-18 hours. If your home is vacant, it is best to call the stager at least 2-3 weeks prior to listing. An occupied home may require less lead time, based on the staging needs. For best results, call the stager as soon as possible.

What is the home staging process for a vacant home?

Generally, staging can be completed within 7-14 days after the initial consultation and all needed repairs and updates are complete.

• Consultation– Up to 2 hours
• Pre-staging- (usually 1-2 weeks). Home seller works on the consultation task list to get the home cleaned, de-cluttered, maintained, and completes updates such as painting, replacing flooring or lighting etc. The stager prepares the staging plan, coordinates with furniture rental companies, and prepares art, accessories, and furniture for transport.
• Staging- 1 to 2 days on site.
• De-staging- 2-3 hours. Prior to closing and after inspection is complete and/or contract is signed.

What is the home staging process for an occupied home? 

• Consultation– Up to 2 hours.
• Pre-staging- (usually 1-2 weeks). Home seller works on the consultation task list to get the home cleaned, de-cluttered, maintained, and completes updates such as painting, replacing flooring or lighting etc. The stager prepares the staging plan, coordinates with furniture rental companies, and prepares art, accessories, and furniture, if applicable, for transport.
• Staging- As little as a few hours or up to a full day. Sometimes it can be done directly after the consultation.
• De-staging- (usually 2-3 hours, if the seller has rented furniture or accessories). After inspection is complete and/or contracts are signed
• Please visit my Services page and call to discuss details.

What does a consultation include?

A consultation gives you a complete list of everything you can do to prepare your home, both inside and out – whether it is vacant or occupied. With this information, a home owner can then decide how much work they will do themselves and how much they would like the stager to do. Recommendations include:

• cleaning
• decluttering
• maintenance
• paint colors
• flooring
• lighting
• furniture and accessory placement to highlight each space or focal point
• purchases, if needed, for bedding, towels, or other items
• contractors
• advice for keeping the home show ready
• curb appeal
• preparing for the photo shoot

Can I do the staging myself?

The most effective and budget-friendly approach is to invest in a consultation with a professional stager. Follow the stager’s advice and do the work yourself. For the best results, have the stager come back for a final checkup prior to photos. See my article, What is the Cheapest Way to Successfully Stage Your House? Get a Home Staging Consultation.

Can my Realtor do the staging for me?

It is always faster and more effective to hire the right professional for the job. If your Realtor is not a professional stager, it is better for your bottom line to hire a professional. Wouldn’t you rather have your Realtor spending his/her time finding the ideal buyer for your home than staging it?

Should every house be staged?

Every home can benefit from a 2-hour home staging consultation. There is always something that can be done to raise the perceived value of your home in the buyer’s eyes. A small investment in a home staging consultation can increase buyer appeal, reaping large rewards in the final sales price.

Do I need to stage every room?  

Every space in an occupied home should be staged for a consistent look-and-feel throughout. For vacant homes, it is critical to stage the main rooms, awkward spaces, and any areas that add value to the sales price such as a potential rental unit. When rooms are left empty, buyers may wonder if you have already moved out or are desperate to sell, encouraging low offers.

Does my Realtor need to be at the consultation?

Some agents never attend, some always attend, and others attend occasionally or a few minutes only. Your agent is always welcome to attend any or all of the consultation but the real key to success is your willingness to go along with the staging recommendations.

Does the stager coordinate all the contractors such as painters, maintenance people, flooring specialists, etc.?

Stagers can recommend trusted, professional contractors. For owner occupied homes, you as the home owner will find it faster and more convenient to coordinate these contractors yourself. For home sellers living away from the property, the stager can easily coordinate all.

Do you rent furniture and accessories so I can stage it myself?

Most stagers are not rental companies and do not offer this service separately if they are not staging your home. When staging your property, your stager can coordinate furniture rentals and may have accessories for rent for your staging.

Is it important to find a stager that has their own inventory of furniture and accessories?  

For vacant homes, the most important thing is the end product and that the furniture matches the style, size, and purpose of each room. Stagers may have or can rent up-to-date furniture and accessories that are perfect for your property.

What should I look for when selecting a home stager?

Even though there is no legal licensing or training requirement to become a home stager, do your homework.

An accomplished stager will have good reviews, training and proven natural talent to get you great results. See the article on tips to hiring a great stager.