What to Expect When a Home Stager Interviews YOU

Staging a property is first and foremost a business decision. Lots of buzz in the media-OH YES, it's a great idea...but how does any of that translate to your property, your circumstances?

There are many different ways a property can be Staged (prepared for sale), that doesn't mean how many different walls the sofa can go on.

Key is first finding the right person you will trust and respect. Staging is a creative service, but consider the more traditional job interview to get started. Last post were questions agents and sellers should ask a stager, here are some questions I ask at first meetings:

For the listing agent

1. Tell me about the neighborhood, and this property. Why is it special, why would it be in demand, who will likely be looking at it?  Real estate is hyper-local, let me think of ways to reinforce what you and your seller know to be  attractive to buyers.

Recently sold a high-end condo in White Plains...pet-friendly in the big city was a drawing card, finishing touches included a great dog dish, treat canister on the counter, and a leash on the doorknob.

Did they buy a $475K condo because of a cute bowl? Hardly. BUT pet lovers are a large, specific and very passionate market. Doggie touches reinforced what was special about this property, and probably engaged them in a way other units did not, so they were able to see themselves here more easily...and yes, new owners have 2 dogs. Come on, say it with me now, a-w-w-w-w-w.

2. How does this fit into the local market? Tell me about the comps, and your strategy.  Do you consider your price aggressive, accurate or negotiable? The more you can tell me about what you're thinking and why, the better. I'm not competing with you, or looking to second-guess you.  YOU are the real estate expert, I am looking for the best way to compliment, and support your plans.

3. What are your client's needs, motivations and plans? Staging success is generally commensurate with a seller's motivation. 

I am working for your client, and you. Definitely NOT looking for any confidential or overly specific info, but often you'll have unique insights the seller is not even aware of.

If your seller MUST sell by a certain time, has a specific amount of funds to spend, or need to get a certain price for the house, let me know. Updates with a high ROI, seasonal buying cycles and carrying costs are some of the things I factor into my recommendations.

For Sellers

1. What do you know about Staging? What's the history here: Have you ever had the house on the market before? Tell me what you did, what happened. If I know where you're  coming from it'll save each of us time and energy. Opening up the discussion levels the field, leads to a more collaborative project. We'll also know not to repeat what didn't work before. 

2. If we set a strategy of what needs to be done, how is the work going to get done-who will be doing it? A motivated seller is key, but so is being  realistic about your time availability and expertise.

Washing windows, cleaning out closets and clearing off the kitchen counter are do-able for most; more ambitious projects like painting, power-washing, or replacing a fixture are things that might best be left to professionals.

Even if you have the ability, do you have the time? 2 or 3 weekends tied up in painting could be wrapped up in days by professionals, and your house would be marketable that much sooner.

3. Let's talk about your resources. Resources DO NOT always mean money. Resources could be friends or relatives who could help paint and clear out, it could be a neighbor with furniture they're not using, you could belong to-or look into joining-a barter club, where you could trade say bookkeeping skills for someone to fix your roof. So many of us have so much more available than we think we do.

A good stager will do their homework. The best, most specific ways to help you get your house sold come from first knowing more about you, your market, and your circumstances. Take the time, and have that conversation.

REMEMBER: You will get comfortable with staging by first being more comfortable with the stager.