Home Staging & Redesign

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. We stage a lot of vacant houses. Real Estate Agents and Investors should understand that 90% of the population cannot visualize and so they need to see furnishings in a space in order to envision themselves living there, know if their belongings will fit and most importantly, to make an emotional connection to the home. That's what will bring in the offers.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. If I were hiring a stager, I would look for an accredited professional. There are many who like or enjoy decorating and think it's easy to stage so they throw some furniture in the room and think that's all there is to it.

It's not. There's a whole lot more to it. We receive training in design, flow, color and more before we receive our certification. There are tricks of the trade and do's and don'ts in home staging. A trained professional will know them.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Properties staged by Pro Staged Homes sell or close escrow in 54.5 days on average. Need more proof staging works? We have an investor client that is averaging only 21.75 days on the market after staging.

Pro Staged Homes is committed to providing outstanding service and quality workmanship with proven results. We go above and beyond what our clients expect and we always do something "extra" for them. Such as staging a powder room or other small area for free or giving them an item we used that they just fell in love with.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. There are two things we especially like; Seeing the project completed and hearing that the house has sold quickly and for full asking price.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. The number one question we get is "How much does it cost?" We really need to see the home to provide this answer. Is it vacant or occupied? How much of the work will the home owner do? How many bed and bathrooms, square footage, what rooms are being staged? Size and shape of each area. What issues really need to be addressed? There's a lot that goes into coming up with a design plan and Pro Staged Homes doesn't do cookie-cutter staging. Every home is unique.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. 1) That homes that are priced right and staged are selling first and is the best marketing strategy available to sellers today.

2) That staging your home before listing it is an investment that will heavily influence the speed and sale of your home.

3) We are a professional, accredited home staging company and we offer an invaluable service to home sellers today and our only goal is to help you sell your home.

4) Home staging works in every market, neighborhood and price level.

5) That potential buyers are not able to see past your personal photos and collections. They need to be able to imagine themselves living there.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. As a RESA Pro (Real Estate Staging Association), we are required to take continuing education classes to keep us up to date on industry standards and help us improve our skills and our businesses.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Home Staging is one of the fastest growing industries. In the very near future, every home is going to have to be staged in order to compete and sell.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Do your research and invest in taking a home staging course. There are many that you can take online. Although it's not required, being accredited lends legitimacy to you and your business. Join RESA and take advantage of all the benefits it has to offer. Network and make sure you have a web site and FaceBook page.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. What are your top 11 tips for home owners getting ready to put their home on the market?

1) Hire a stager to do a consultation and find out what will help and hinder the sale of your home. Remember staging is an investment and the cost is far less than price reductions.

2) Pack and remove all your personal photographs and collectibles and any excess furniture. Buyers should be focusing on the details of your home not your life.

3) Clean every room. Put toys and clothes away. Throw out old newspapers and magazines. Make sure the beds are made and that the kitchen and bathrooms are sparkling clean (and the toilet seats are down!).

4) Neutralize any bold paint colors on the walls. Buyers want move-in ready. If a buyer has to paint so that their belongings will harmonize with the home, their offer is going to compensate for the expense they perceive it will cost and you're going to get a low ball offer.

5) Make low-cost upgrades with lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware, window treatments, faucets and anything else that says "this home is dated". Again, you'll get a lower offer because the buyer has to make the upgrades themselves. And remember - paint can be your new best friend.

6) Repair leaky faucets, loose fixtures, holes in walls, clean tile and grout and fix any other repair issues. Repairs to a buyer means a lower offer.

7) Close to 90% of home buyers today begin their search on the internet. Properties that don't have pictures on the interior are passed on. Make sure your house shows its best for your online pictures.

8) Remove pet bowls, beds, litter boxes, cages and the animals for pictures and showings. People that have pet allergies or any other pet aversions will not even look at your home.

9) Lighten and brighten up your home. Take down heavy and/or dated draperies and wallpaper. Clean the windows and blinds. Make sure they are all open for your online photos and during showings. Dark pictures are caves and buyers will pass on viewing your home.

10) Don't forget Curb Appeal. Your home's exterior is every buyers first impression. Make it count. Trim trees, grass, hedges and bushes, sweep and remove debris. Add a new welcome mat and fresh flowers.

11) Find the right Agent - one who knows your area and comps, uses the internet extensively, knows how to price correctly and offers staging as part of their listing package.