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
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ANNMARIE DEL FRANCO, Agent | Blackstone Properties of CT – Connecticut
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PAMELA BELLLAH, Managing Broker | John L. Scott Real Estate – Washington
“The unfurnished townhome we had listed had been on the market for 4 months until we decided to engage in virtual staging. I had the townhome professionally photographed and then had the photos virtually staged and they were so realistic. We had a binding contract within 2 weeks after posting the virtual photos!”