FAQs for Realtors on Home Staging

You are interested in selling your listing fast and getting the most money for your client, aren’t you? I’de like to show you how with the following FAQs for Realtors on home staging.

FAQs for Realtors on Home Staging – What you need to know about cost, time, value, and how home staging leads to more listings.

Most Realtors have heard of home staging and how it can help sell a home faster and for more money but many Realtors still have questions. Here are answers to some common questions about how home staging works.

WHAT IS HOME STAGING?

What is home staging?

Home Staging is a marketing tool that uses decorating to show off a home’s best features while downplaying its flaws. Done right, staging creates an emotional connection between home and buyer, leading to a faster sale at maximum value.

 

Is staging just for vacant homes?

Home staging is for all homes, occupied or vacant. Staging a home with what a home seller already has is always the preferred choice, as it leads to greater savings on rental furniture and labor fees.

COST

How much does home staging cost?

Usually the first question I get! A better question might be can home staging help me sell faster and for more! Think of home staging as an investment, rather than a cost.

That investment will depend on the size of the house, if it is vacant or occupied, if the stager will do everything or just a consultation, followed by the seller doing the bulk of the work. It also depends on the seller having suitable furniture and accessories or if items need to be rented.

Stagers charge a fee for a consultation and give an estimate (based on an hourly fee, or a flat fee) if additional time is needed. A monthly rental fee may apply for furniture and/or accessories.

On average, stagers charge $300-$500 for that initial “working” consultation and about $100/hour for their time after that. Furniture and accessory rental costs vary based on what is needed to properly showcase the home.

Just like a home seller shouldn’t pick a real estate agent based on the highest quoted sale price for your home, a stager should not be picked based on the lowest bid. In both cases, the agent and the stager may be quoting that price just to get the job. You get what you pay for. Quality counts.

 

Who pays for home staging?

Some popular options include:

• the home seller pays all
• the real estate agent pays for a consultation
• the real estate agent reimburses the home seller at closing for an agreed amount (i.e.: for the initial “working” consultation).
• the real estate agent pays all or part of the staging

More and more Realtors are covering the cost of a consultation as part of their marketing plan, leaving any further investment up to the home seller. For clients that like to DIY, a consultation may be all they need to properly prepare their home for sale. See the article, “Who Pays for Home Staging” for more detail.

As a Realtor, why should I pay for home staging or a consultation?

Many savvy Realtors pay for the initial consultation and their clients pay for any additional staging services.

While getting a higher price is paramount for home sellers, it may not make a big difference in a Realtor’s commission, but certainly makes for happier clients and more referrals! Ultimately, selling faster will be great for you and your client because everyone gets paid faster. It also lowers marketing expenses for you and holding costs for your client. Home staging is an investment. With little money up front, you should be able to list the property for more and sell faster.

How can I help my clients understand the value of home staging?

Most Realtors believe that staging increases the dollar amount that buyers are willing to pay for a home by between 1 and 10%.  Also, homes that are staged first before listing spend 90% less time on the market.

Help your sellers see that staging will cost less than that first price reduction. The increased sales price of their home, faster closing, and reduced holding costs, will more than cover the staging investment and all with a whole lot less stress!

My sellers have a very limited budget. How can they afford the services of a professional home stager?

Think you can’t afford to hire a professional home stager? In today’s market, you can’t afford not to. For the most budget friendly option, invest in a home staging consultation. Home sellers can do the work themselves based on the advice of a professional home stager. For the best results, have the stager return for a final checkup prior to photos.

How much does it cost to do “Lite Staging”?  

Putting a few decorative items or sparse furniture in an otherwise vacant house is often more distracting for buyers than not adding anything at all. “Lite” staging or “vignette” staging of small areas is generally not a good investment as it does not help make that emotional connection which sells the home. It also does not highlight the home’s best features, give buyers a sense of how big the space is, or how their furniture might fit in the space.

PROCESS AND TIMELINE

How long does it take to stage a home?

This varies based on the size of the 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 you plan to stage a vacant home, 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 your sellers a complete list of everything they can do to prepare their home, both inside and out – whether it is vacant or occupied. With this information, the 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

A professional consultation can help reinforce information you, as the Realtor, already provide.

Can the home seller do the staging themselves?

The most budget-friendly and effective thing a home seller can do is invest in a consultation with a professional stager. Have them follow the stager’s advice and do the work themselves. 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 I, the Realtor, do the staging myself?

It is always faster and more effective to hire the right professional for the job. If you wouldn’t recommend a home seller list as For Sale By Owner (FSBO), then it’s probably not a good idea to do the staging yourself. Even if you are a home stager, you still may wish to avoid staging the clients’ home and having those difficult conversations about cleaning, odors, pets, animal heads and the like to maintain a great relationship with your client. Wouldn’t your time be better used marketing your current listings and finding more?

 

Should every house be staged?

All houses can benefit from a 2-hour home staging consultation. There is always something that can be done to raise the perceived value of a 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.

 

Does every room need to be staged?

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 the seller has already moved out or is desperate to sell encouraging low offers.

As the Realtor, do I need to be at the consultation?

Some agents never attend, some always attend, and others attend occasionally or a few minutes only. The real key to success is the home owner’s willingness to go along with the staging recommendations, and not whether the agent attends the home staging consultation. For more detail, see a great article by Susan Atwell on this subject.

 

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, the home owner will find it faster and more convenient to coordinate these contractors themselves. For home sellers living away from the property, the stager can easily coordinate all.

VALUE

Can home staging help me sell my listing faster and for more money?

Various reports (see Resources) publish statistics on the benefits of home staging. A 2017 report by the National Association of Realtors states that at least 50% of Realtors think staging increases the dollar amount buyers will offer to pay by between 1 and 10%. Also, homes that are staged first before listing spend 90% less time on the market. See the summary of some of the 2017 findings from the National Association of Realtors.

 

What should I tell a client that wants to list first and stage later if their home does not sell?

The same thing you tell a client who wants to “test” the market with an unrealistic listing price, just to inevitably reduce the price later. The longer a home is on the market, the less desirable it is. Just like food, a listing becomes stale in a very short time. You can also add that the Real Estate Staging Association Home Staging National Statistics Report found that homes that were staged first before listing, rather than after listing, spent 90% less time on the market. See the article, the “Big Bang Theory of Home Staging”.

Why should I invest in home staging in a seller’s market?

Home staging works in every type of market. Even in a seller’s market, there will always be listings that do not sell quickly. Staged homes generate more interest on the web and in person, by creating move-in ready homes that feel fresh, spacious, and up-to-date. All these conditions lead to higher offers, potential bidding wars, and greater profits for you and your clients.

 

Can home staging get me more listings?

YES! Would you like to tip the scales in your favor when competing for a listing? Want to know what top producing real estate agents do? Offer your sellers an affordable home staging consultation. Position yourself as a forward thinking agent that:

• Gives extra value.
• Goes the extra mile.
• Is a savvy marketer.
• Is known for having the best listings.

 

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 and look for a professional with training, experience, and good reviews.

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

Get your copy of this  information on the value, time, cost  and process of home staging now.

  Download now. Price $4.99.

Resources

An Inconvenient Truth about Selling your Home.

Answers to questions commonly asked by real estate agents considering
Home Staging for their clients

Helpful Tips on Finding a Great Home Stager

Home Staging Consultation: Should Realtors Attend?

Home Staging Proof: Solid Science Proves Staged Homes Sell Faster.

National Association of Realtors 2015 Profile of Home Staging

National Association of Realtors 2017 Profile of Home Staging

Consumers Guide to Real Estate Staging

Six Tips to Maximize Your Home Staging Consultation Dollar

Summary of 2017 Home Staging Statistics

What is the Cheapest Way to Successfully Stage Your House? Get a Home Staging Consultation.

Who Pays for Home Staging

Why Hire a Professional Home Stager?

By Now You are Probably Ready to Sell Fast and For More

Try one of my online home staging services. For in person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote. Click on the pictures to learn more.

 

 Get your Free Report

 

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Prices subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

 

Download my Brochure

 

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Mary Ann Benoit was honored to be asked to do an interview on Seward Public Radio last night with host Beck Dunn. She was the first guest on the “Knot so Fast” radio show. They talked about a wide range of topics including bats, wildlife, home staging and design, using home staging to increase your bed and breakfast income and bookings, dance, art and more!

Mary Ann has been a wildlife biologist for over 25 years, as well as an artist, dancer, musician, performance artist and teacher. She owns two businesses, including  her Bed and Breakfast, Arctic Paradise Bed and Breakfast, Jewelry and Stained Glass which she started in 2002, and Northern Lights Home Staging and Design, started in 2014.  Becky asked her about all different aspects of her life and businesses.

They discussed bats, bat research in Alaska, how to attract bats to your property with a bat box, what to do if you find a dead or sick bat and more. They discussed her Bed and Breakfast and home staging and design business and how she used home staging to increase her own bed and breakfast income and bookings. They also talked about her other interests such as teaching and performing different styles of dance, and creating beautiful stained glass and jewelry as an artist.

It was a fun interview!  For those of you interested in getting to know Mary Ann, and if she might be the right person to work with you on your project, this is a good one to listen to.

It was also a fun and quirky broadcast that gives a good feel for life in our beautiful little town of Seward Alaska:)

 

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Can home staging help me sell my listing faster and for more money?

Various reports publish statistics on the benefits and value of home staging. A 2017 report by the National Association of Realtors states that at least 50% of Realtors think staging increases the dollar amount buyers will offer to pay by between 1 and 10%. Also, homes that are staged first before listing spend 90% less time on the market. See the summary of some of the 2017 findings from the National Association of Realtors.

 

What should I tell a client that wants to list first and stage later if their home does not sell?

The same thing you tell a client who wants to “test” the market with an unrealistic listing price, to inevitably reduce the price later. The longer a home is on the market, the less desirable it is. Just like food, a listing becomes stale in a very short time. You can also add that the Real Estate Staging Association Home Staging National Statistics Report found that homes that were staged first before listing, rather than after listing, spent 90% less time on the market. See the article, the “Big Bang Theory of Home Staging”.

 

Why should I invest in home staging in a seller’s market?

Home staging works in every type of market. Even in a seller’s market, there will always be listings that do not sell quickly. Staged homes generate more interest on the web and in person, by creating move-in ready homes that feel fresh, spacious, and up-to-date. All these conditions lead to higher offers, potential bidding wars, and greater profits for you and your clients.

 

Can home staging get me more listings?

YES! Would you like to tip the scales in your favor when competing for a listing? Want to know what top producing real estate agents do? Offer your sellers an affordable home staging consultation. Position yourself as a forward thinking agent that:

• Gives extra value.
• Goes the extra mile.
• Is a savvy marketer.
• Is known for having the best listings.

 

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 and look for a professional with training, experience, and good reviews.

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

For more information on the value, time, cost  and process of home staging, get your free report,  FAQs for Realtors on Home Staging.

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Resources

An Inconvenient Truth about Selling your Home.

Answers to questions commonly asked by real estate agents considering
Home Staging for their clients

Helpful Tips on Finding a Great Home Stager

Home Staging Consultation: Should Realtors Attend?

Home Staging Proof: Solid Science Proves Staged Homes Sell Faster.

National Association of Realtors 2015 Profile of Home Staging

National Association of Realtors 2017 Profile of Home Staging

Consumers Guide to Real Estate Staging

Six Tips to Maximize Your Home Staging Consultation Dollar

Summary of 2017 Home Staging Statistics

What is the Cheapest Way to Successfully Stage Your House? Get a Home Staging Consultation.

Who Pays for Home Staging

Why Hire a Professional Home Stager?

 

Get your Free Report

 

What is the cost of home staging? Here are some answers for some commonly asked questions.

How much does home staging cost?

Usually the first question I get! A better question is can home staging help me sell faster and for more? Think of home staging as an investment, rather than a cost.

That investment will depend on the size of the house, if it is vacant or occupied, if the stager will do everything or just a consultation, followed by the seller doing the bulk of the work. It also depends on the seller having suitable furniture and accessories or if those items need to be rented.

Stagers charge a fee for a consultation and give an estimate (based on an hourly fee, or a flat fee) if additional time is needed. A monthly rental fee may apply for furniture and/or accessories.

On average, stagers charge $400-$600 for that initial “working” consultation and about $125/hour for their time after that. Furniture and accessory rental costs vary based on what is needed to properly showcase the home.

Just like a home seller shouldn’t pick a real estate agent based on the highest quoted sale price for your home, a stager should not be picked based on the lowest bid. In both cases, the agent and the stager may be quoting that price just to get the job. You get what you pay for. Quality counts.

 

Who pays for home staging?

Some popular options related to the cost of home staging include:

• the home seller pays all
• the real estate agent pays for a consultation
• the real estate agent reimburses the home seller at closing for an agreed amount (i.e.: for the initial “working” consultation).
• the real estate agent pays all or part of the staging

More and more Realtors are covering the cost of a consultation as part of their marketing plan, leaving any further investment up to the home seller. For clients that like to DIY, a consultation may be all they need to properly prepare their home for sale. See the article, “Who Pays for Home Staging” for more detail.

 

As a Realtor, why should I pay for home staging or a consultation?

Many savvy Realtors pay for the initial consultation and their clients pay for any additional staging services.

While getting a higher price is paramount for home sellers, it may not make a big difference in a Realtor’s commission, but certainly makes for happier clients and more referrals! Ultimately, selling faster will be great for you and your client because everyone gets paid faster. It also lowers marketing expenses for you and holding costs for your client. Home staging is an investment. With little money up front, you should be able to list the property for more and sell faster.

How can I help my clients understand the value of home staging?

Most Realtors believe that staging increases the dollar amount that buyers are willing to pay for a home by between 1 and 10%.  Also, homes that are staged first before listing spend 90% less time on the market.

Help your sellers see that staging will cost less than that first price reduction. The increased sales price of their home, faster closing, and reduced holding costs, will more than cover the staging investment and all with a whole lot less stress!

My sellers have a very limited budget. How can they afford the services of a professional home stager?

Think you can’t afford to hire a professional home stager? In today’s market, you can’t afford not to. For the most budget friendly option, invest in a home staging consultation. Home sellers can do the work themselves based on the advice of a professional home stager. For the best results, have the stager return for a final checkup prior to photos.

How much does it cost to do “Lite Staging”? 

Putting a few decorative items or sparse furniture in an otherwise vacant house is often more distracting for buyers than not adding anything at all. “Lite” staging or “vignette” staging of small areas is generally not a good investment as it does not help make that emotional connection which sells the home. It also does not highlight the home’s best features, give buyers a sense of how big the space is, or how their furniture might fit in the space.

For more information on the value, time, cost  and process of home staging, get my report,  FAQs for Realtors on Home Staging.

It includes everything you need to know about cost, time, value, process and how home staging can get you more listings.

Buy Now

Resources

An Inconvenient Truth about Selling your Home.

Answers to questions commonly asked by real estate agents considering
Home Staging for their clients

Helpful Tips on Finding a Great Home Stager

Home Staging Consultation: Should Realtors Attend?

Home Staging Proof: Solid Science Proves Staged Homes Sell Faster.

National Association of Realtors 2015 Profile of Home Staging

National Association of Realtors 2017 Profile of Home Staging

Consumers Guide to Real Estate Staging

Six Tips to Maximize Your Home Staging Consultation Dollar

Summary of 2017 Home Staging Statistics

What is the Cheapest Way to Successfully Stage Your House? Get a Home Staging Consultation.

Who Pays for Home Staging

Why Hire a Professional Home Stager?

---

Written by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design and Susan Atwell of Atwell Staged Homes

Ready to Sell Fast and for More?

Get your online home staging consultation or staging service today. Click on the pictures to learn more. For in person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote.

Get your Free Report

Download my Brochure

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

Prices subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Interested in becoming a home stager? I recommend the Staging Diva Home Staging Training program!

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Northern Lights Home Staging and Design was honored to learn our blog was voted one of the top 100 home staging blogs on the web by Feedspot.com.  We work hard to provide you with information on home staging, Interior Design and social media marketing that you will find interesting, meaningful and can apply to your home or business. It’s great to know people are reading it and enjoying it!

If you would like to make sure you don’t miss any of our latest articles, please sign up for our monthly newsletter and get a free report, “Top Paint Colors for a Speedy and Profitable Home Sale”! We love to hear from you about questions and challenges you face related to home staging and design. Your comments inspire us with ideas for new articles.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

How Much Does it Cost?

Usually the first question I get when a home owner or realtor calls about home staging is “How much does it cost?”

To get the best possible results from home staging, it is worth spending the money to hire a professional home stager with experience and great reviews. See my interview on Helpful Tips for Finding a Great Home Stager to learn what to look for.

Benefits of Home Staging

The benefits include getting the highest possible price for your home in the price range of similar houses, and selling fast so you save money by reducing owner expenses while on the market and losses from price reductions. Home staging always costs less than your first price reduction.

The Cost of Taking Shortcuts

Taking shortcuts such as hiring untrained stagers or realtors to stage your home because it is cheaper, listing first and staging later if it does not sell, using “Lite” or “Vignette” staging of minimal rooms or areas, or not staging at all will cost you more money in a lower final sales price or losses from price reductions as your home is on the market longer.

A better question might be, “How much does it cost not to professionally stage my home?” The higher initial investment will pay off and put more money in your pocket in the end.

What if You Can’t Invest in Home Staging?

Sometimes, however, a home seller is unable to make the full investment in home staging. What is the cheapest way to get results that can pay off in a higher sales price when the budget is tight? Here is my advice if you are going to be living in the home while it is on the market.

Get a home staging consultation with a professional stager, follow their advice, do the staging yourself, and have them do a final check-up before taking photos.

Every home, no matter how big or small, regardless of the price range or condition can benefit from a professional consultation.

What is involved in a professional home staging consultation?

The home stager will come to your house and walk through the interior and exterior. They will give you expert objective advice on:

• • How buyers will see your home and what changes you can make to get the highest final sales price. It is impossible for home sellers to see their own home objectively as a buyer seeing it for the first time will see it.
  • The most cost effective ways to market your property to your target buyer.
  • What things to repair, paint, update, remove, add, keep and re-arrange to highlight the best features of the home and downplay the flaws.
  • Paint and décor colors that appeal to buyers.
  • Working with the décor you have to highlight the homes features and will give you recommendations for purchases if needed for bedding, art, accessories, furniture rentals, etc.
  •  Prioritizing the most important things to do if time or budget constraints exist.
  • Improving your curb appeal.
  • Trusted resources such as contractors, painters, and cleaners etc. to use.
  • How to live in your staged home and keep things looking great while it is on the market.

Most consultations last about 2 hours and cost an average of $300 providing a huge amount of value in just a few hours. Your home stager can come back for a check-up after you have done the work to do final adjustments before photos for an hourly fee. The check-up can add great value to make sure your furniture is properly arranged to highlight space, your bookshelves and accessories are styled to look great, your bedding is arranged perfectly, art is hung correctly and all the little things that will make the photos look wonderful and have buyers loving your house are done.

What if your house is Vacant?

A consultation can still provide great value in prioritizing the things to do to get the most bang for your buck. And it will be important….since there will be no furniture etc. to look at, buyers will be focusing on the flaws which will be more obvious. You are better off investing in a consultation or full staging than trying to do ”vignette” or “Lite staging”. These silly staging tricks where a couple rooms have minimal furniture or have small areas staged in an otherwise empty house look weird and distracting. Better to not waste money on that and leave it empty. During the home staging consultation, the stager can tell you what the most important things are you can do to get the best return on your investment with the money you have available to spend.

A great home stager will make all the difference in a successful home sale for you. Pick their brains! They want to help you!

Ready for your Home Staging Consultation?

Start with a home staging consultation, either in person or online. From there, you can take the information and stage it yourself, or we can work together or I can do it all for you. Whether you will be living in the home while it is for sale or it will be a vacant property that needs everything, I can help.

Some other services you may find helpful are a color consultation if your staging consultation highlights the need for re-painting the interior or exterior. Virtual staging is an option if in person staging will not work for your vacant property. And vacation rental staging can help you increase your income, bookings and attract your ideal customer.

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The right paint colors can help you sell for more. The wrong colors can decrease your sales price.  Get this report, normally valued at $5 for free when you sign up to receive monthly color, design and staging tips.

 

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I love to feature great articles that help home sellers. This is one of my favorites, An Inconvenient Truth about Selling Your Home, by Susan Atwell of Atwell Staged Homes.

Truth is few things are more inconvenient than selling your home and having it on the market.

By Susan Atwell as published in The Somers Record

Imagine a bad reality show, where you are forced to live in Macy’s window for weeks on end. Your personal items, your life, constantly exposed to strangers and their criticisms – with no end in sight.

If your home is currently on the market, or going on the market soon, you may already feel this way. So what’s the best way to get out from under the microscope? Sell fast. Well, that sounds easy – and obvious – but how do you sell fast?

In addition to the right price and a good real estate agent, the winning combination also includes home staging, effort, and a willingness to be inconvenienced while your home is on the market. The following questions will help you understand if you are ready, willing, and able to do what it takes to sell a home in this market?

1. Are you willing to detach yourself emotionally from this home and view it as a product or commodity?
2. Are you willing to let go of your personal style and decorate to appeal to the widest variety of buyers?
3. Are you willing to pack up anything you won’t need for the next few months – even if it includes children’s toys, personal photos and keepsakes?
4. Are you willing to eliminate or hide TVs, computers or other electronic devices?
5. Are you willing to send your pets away when the home is being shown?
6. Are you willing to furnish an unfurnished home so that it is warm, inviting, and spacious?
7. Are you willing to clean like you’ve never cleaned before?
8. Are you willing to establish a budget of no more than 3% of the price of the home for repairs, upgrades and updates?

If you answered “yes” to most, or all of these questions, then you are probably ready.

More than ever, home buyers are looking for move-in ready homes that feel fresh, spacious and up-to-date.  On the Web, buyers may like the price, pictures and attributes your home has to offer, but that’s not always enough. They need to be impressed the minute they walk through the door. Showcasing every space will make them fall in love at first sight. It’s this positive emotional response that can lead to an offer and hopefully a sale.

Here are a few tips to meet buyers’ demands, “up” your game, and beat the competition. At the same time, you’ll reduce the amount of time your home is on the market and consequently the amount of time that you will be inconvenienced.

Be prepared. The hardest part of living in a home that is on the market is constantly being prepared to show your home. But you must be ready at a moment’s notice. You never know when your perfect buyer will walk through the door. This is not a good time to entertain or have guests.

Clean sells. All homes should be thoroughly cleaned prior to listing. Daily touch-ups may be necessary for occupied homes, but vacant homes can become surprisingly dirty as well. Dust on surfaces, cobwebs in corners, stains in stagnant toilets, fingerprints on windows and appliances —all of these areas need to be inspected and cleaned regularly. Occupied or vacant, consider hiring a professional cleaning service during the period your home is on the market.

Pack it up. Pack up and store anything you won’t need while your home is on the market. Packing sooner, rather than later, will make the transition easier. Many moving companies offer storage options for those staging their homes to sell.

Stick to the essentials. Too much or no furniture can make a home feel small. Cluttered homes are distracting, while vacant homes can leave a buyer cold. Either way, buyers will have trouble picturing their furniture in these spaces. Define each space to have a single purpose, minimize clutter, and make sure there is plenty of light.

The more you do in advance of listing your home for sale, the faster it will sell, and the sooner you can return to a normal life. Showcasing or staging your home will help to minimize the stress and inconvenience that comes with selling. The truth is that you will be inconvenienced when selling your home, but it will be well worth it, and your efforts will be rewarded, when your home sells fast and for top dollar.

An Inconvenient Truth about Selling Your Home was reprinted from AtWell Staged Home’s Stage Every Listing Letter (SELL) a free monthly on-line resource of home staging tips, tools, and transformations. Whether you are a real estate professional, home seller, or just someone who enjoys interior decorating, these tips are for you! Subscribe at www.StageEveryListing.com.

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I got a call from Empire Radio Now in New York to do a live interview on their online radio station for the “Professionals Roundtable”.  Exciting!! Here is a transcript of the broadcast, I hope you enjoy it.  You can hear the broadcast here.

Please give a description of your company and the products/services you offer.

Company: Northern Lights Home Staging and Design provides Home Staging, Interior Design and Social Media Advertising for homes and vacation rental properties. We serve south-central Alaska but also do virtual consultations nation-wide.

We offer:

• Home Staging for homes and vacation rentals-Decorating for sale homes to appeal to buyers and help sellers sell their house faster and for more. I also offer this for vacation rental properties to help owners attract their ideal clients and increase their bookings and income.
• Interior Design and Redesign-Whether you are starting fresh in a new home or working with what you already have, I love helping the average home owner make their space something special that they love and works with their lifestyle.
• Color Consulting for Interior Design as well as home staging projects. Whether it is paint, furniture or finishes, I can help you pull it all together.
• Social Media Advertising- Once I have staged a for sale home or vacation rental, I help advertise the property by creating Facebook pages, video and ads to get the word out on what makes the property special.

Tell us about your background of your business and yourself.

My Background

• Many years ago I received a BA in Interior Design in Washington DC. While I did some design work and enjoyed it, I was young and wanted to travel and explore the world and other options.
• I worked a variety of jobs as a fire fighter and fire lookout for many years in Arizona. Then I took another path and followed my love of animals, and got a second degree in wildlife biology.
• In 2001, I came to Alaska to work as a Wildlife Biologist.
• In 2002, I also started a bed and breakfast, Arctic Paradise B&B.
• I have always been an artist and create Jewelry, stained glass and do performing arts such as dance and music.

Business Background

• I started Northern Lights Home Staging and Design 3 years ago.
• I took the name Northern Lights because I want to inspire that feeling of awe and sense of magic that people experience when they see northern lights in my Interior Design.

What inspired you to pursue your profession?

Childhood love of design

• I always loved the idea of transforming a space and making it beautiful. I dreamed of designing and building my own house even as a kid and used to endlessly sketch my dream house.
• Over the years even though I was working in another field, I still loved Interior Design and indulged my passion for it in my own home and for friends and family.

A Facebook Quiz- “What is your true profession”, changed everything. The answer was “Designer”.

• I considered the path not taken and wondered what life would have been like if I had taken my first path.
• Then I decided I can just do it now! Why not? It did not have to be one or the other.
• In researching how to start an Interior Design firm, I discovered home staging which seemed really fun. I took a home staging training program and then started my Home Staging/Design business.

What advice do you have for people considering starting their own business? 

Just do it. Follow your passion. It is never too late to start. Starting a business is easy; it just takes time and hard work to make it successful. Dont give up. Your turning point could be tomorrow!

Where do you see yourself in the near future?

I plan to highlight some new exciting additions to my business including:

• Vacation Rental Staging– I realized by experimenting on myself and my Bed and Breakfast, that home staging and design can have a dramatic impact on increasing bookings and income and attracting ideal clients. I have started offering consultations and social media advertising for vacation rental property owners.
• Color Consulting– I have always loved color and the magic it brings to a space. Recently, I went through training and became a certified color expert. I look forward to helping home sellers and home owners pick paint colors as well as use color to pull their design projects together.
• I will also be promoting my services for nation-wide virtual consultations for staging, design, and color. So wherever you are, I would love to help you. Just visit my website, give me a call or send me an email and let’s get going on your project!

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Here are my top ten Interior Design tips to create a beautiful space that is uniquely aligned with you, tells your story and is your favorite place in the world!

Make an Interior Design Plan

You are much more likely to get the end result you want if you start with an Interior Design plan. Many people just start buying things they like, hoping that it will all work together in the end. This usually does not work. A designer can help you develop an overall plan to guide you before you buy anything. This starts with really understanding your own style, what you want and how your design will enhance how you live in your space.

Tell Your Own Story

It is easy to see pictures in a magazine or online of a room and think, “I want that”.  To have a beautiful interior design you will love and will be unique, you need to tell your own story! Those pictures may serve as inspiration, but the items may not fit well in your space, fit your lifestyle, or work with things you own. Find things you love and are meaningful to you, give them a place of honor and build the design around them.

Buy what you Love

It is better to buy what you love, even if it is more expensive and it takes longer to get all the pieces you want than to rush to finish your design project by buying cheaper items. The things you love will make you happy over the long term, while you may lose interest in the other items quickly. Try to find classic items that will stand the test of time, rather than something trendy. Trends fade quickly as will your interest in it.

Be Brave with Color

Color makes magic happen, affects the way you feel in a space and is easy to change. Painting is a cheap way to make a dramatic difference. Get help from a color consultant or Interior Designer to determine the perfect colors for you that also work with your finishes and furniture.

Let there be light

Add magic to a space with layers of light. Find beautiful fixtures that add overhead lighting, mixed with lamps at mid-level and task lighting. Accent lighting on art and under cabinets look great.

Edit

We often collect so many things that nothing has a chance to shine. Get rid of the things you do not love.  Give the things you love a place of honor and enough uncluttered space around them so the eye is drawn to them and you can appreciate it. You can always put the other things away and change out the items you want to highlight for variety.

Be Patient

A great interior design perfectly suited to you happens in layers and takes time. Be patient.

Create a sanctuary for yourself

Your space should not only look good but feel good, give you a place to re-charge and feel like your favorite place in the world.

Change it up

Using more neutral colors for the walls and furnishings allows you to change the other colors in the room such as accent pillows, art and accessories as often as you like for variety.

Break the rules

If it looks good, feels good and you love it, do it!

Need Help Creating Your Perfect Space?

Everyone needs a game plan that considers their whole house, its design and colors in a wholistic way before you buy anything, start remodeling or move things around. Great design considers art , science and energy to create a perfect plan for you. My Aligned Design consultation considers everything to give you a great game plan.  From there, if you need to purchase new things and additional detail, we can add on specific Edesign packages to give you what you need.

Online or In Person?

Online Consultation $750.00 USDIn Person Consultation $850.00 USD

 

Edesign or Online Design of One Room

Are you just redoing 1 room? While I still recommend an Aligned Design Consultation first to make sure you have a game plan for your house and the room design works with it, you have some options to just work on a room alone with one of my Edesign or online services.

 

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Will younger buyers love your for-sale home?

The majority of staging projects that I do are for older sellers and the target market is younger buyers. The sellers are retiring and moving to a new location. Many have lived in their home for many years, which were often built in the 1970’s-1980’s. Based on the price they are selling these older homes for and location near schools, the target buyer is often a young family buying their first or second house. The styles that appeal to these two groups are usually quite different!

To appeal to a younger buyers, home staging can really help give a fresh modern feel that younger buyers are looking for. For more examples of how home staging can help attract younger buyers, see my article “Home Staging Helps Seniors Move on to Their Next Adventure”.

Here is an example of a  home staging project that shows how home staging can appeal to younger buyers.

This house had been on the market for about a month with little interest. The home seller decided it should be staged, although the realtor had not suggested it. Once staged, they got new professional photos and the interest and showings increased by at least three times the amount they had before. Everyone loved the way the house looked! They had an offer within 2 months and were able to move on quickly to their new location. This house would have sold more quickly had they staged it initially before listing and would have saved them money on photos.

Ready to Sell Fast and For More?

Get your online home staging consultation or staging service today. Click on the pictures to learn more. For in person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote.

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Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

Prices subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Interested in becoming a home stager? I recommend the Staging Diva Home Staging Training program!

 

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