To Stage or Not To Stage

Get Sellers On Board A Staging Plan

When staging a home for sale it must be in “showable” condition.  An agent’s marketing plan typically requires sellers to spend time and money.  In today’s economy, informing sellers of a Staging plan and getting them to take action may result in resistance to cooperate.

Karen Reynolds who works at a multiple listing service says,  “Staging a home for sale requires the seller’s cooperation because they are footing the bill and participating in the work.  Sometimes getting them on board is challenging.”  Karen is well known for teaching Realtors the latest trends and tips in Marketing Listings.  She recently shared her 4 Sure Fire Ways To Get Sellers On Board When Staging A Home.

1.) Preview Competition. Take your seller inside neighboring homes listed for sale. The competition shows sellers the choices a buyer will be previewing and comparing to their own home.  Sellers will begin to view there home through buyer’s eyes making them more receptive to your ideas of rearranging furnishings, organizing and pre-packing.

2.) Walk Through. Place florescent sticky notes on furniture and personal items seller needs to pack or remove. They will see more clearly your intentions and be open to following your staging advice.

3.) To Do List. Give the seller a “to do” list to prepare their home for selling and photographing (we will share Karen’s photography tips in a future blog). Separate the list into time frames to avoid overwhelming your seller. Group one day projects together, week long projects, and finally larger projects.

4.) A Model Home. Remind the owner that because they are trying to sell this property, their home is a commodity and should be viewed as a “Model Home.” The faster it sells, the faster they can move to their new home.

*Above photo courtesy of Leigh Schiff, Atlanta Realtor, Staging by No Vacancy

This Article provided by Virtually Staging Properties, the pioneer of virtual staging.  Please review additional virtual home staging tips by clicking Virtual Staging Blog

What Our Clients Say

“We received 2 offers in less than a week and a half.  The property was listed with vacant photos for over 220 days on the market with no offers.  Many buyers passed on the house but after posting the virtual photos, they changed their minds and we definitely saw an increase in buyer traffic!”

TRISH BRADLEY, Agent | Rutledge Properties – Massachusettes

“Love the photos! I will be your most devoted client!  Thank You!!!”

PAMELA BELLLAH, Managing Broker | John L. Scott Real Estate – Washington

“You all did a phenomenal job on these virtual staging photos!  Really, I can’t say enough how much I love them.  They are absolutely stunning and my clients are thrilled!”

SHEILA SALVITTI, Agent | Coldwell Banker Premier Properties – Pennsylvania

“After posting the virtually staged photos I saw an increase in showings and we got my vacant listing under contract in less than 14 days! “

PAUL HERRICK, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty – Massachusetts

“Our vacant property was listed for sale with no offers for over 90 days and after virtual staging of the photos took place, we instantly saw an increase in buyer traffic and got an offer in less than 4 weeks.  The buyers liked the photos which helped them with decorating ideas for the home.”

JEANNIE THOMPSON, Agent | Long & Foster – Virginia