Thursday, September 19, 2013

FRIDAY FAQs! "Do You Ever Not Stage a House?"


Do you ever consult on a house and recommend it not be staged?

I frequently turn down staging opportunities.  It's not the proactive approach I was taught to get my staging accreditation.  I don't try and close the client on staging.  My goal is always to get the house sold.  I want the home seller to get the most bang for their buck.

I don't write a proposal to stage if a client is on a limited budget and has outdated appliances, worn carpet, dated wallpaper, a wreck of a yard, etc. I would rather the seller's put their money into updates than pay me to stage. I have a library of good contractors that I will recommend.


I will not stage a house that is dirty and in disarray.  I figure if they don't take care of their own belongings, they won't take care of my nice accessories.  I've lost a few Realtors because of my refusal to stage nasty properties!


Also, I don't follow the "I'll stage as little or as much as you want" philosophy.  I prefer to stage an entire house--not just a few areas. 

10 comments:

  1. It's a fine line! I agree that if the seller doesn't take care of their own things, they will do less with yours. I guess in those cases the best you can do is advise them to "Clean-Up". Sad, because these are the sellers who need your advice the most! I also agree that with very tight budgets it's more important for the money to be spend on necessary updates.

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    1. Even on undesirable properties, I give specific suggestions to stage using their furnishings or purchasing a few new inexpensive ones. (I'm a fanatic about new towels in bathrooms!) As always, thanks Patty!

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  2. I know it is incredible how some people live huh.

    Ali of Dressing Ken

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  3. I don't blame you for not trusting your nice things with someone who obviously doesn't care about their own belongings. And I really respect the fact that you are thoughtful of your clients' (or potential clients') needs and are willing to walk away and not stage if it isn't going to help them because the rest of the house is such a wreck. You are a very talented stager AND one who is trustworthy. I really like that!

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  4. I love your ethics Linda, youre true to yourself and that is so respectable! I think youre fantastic at what you do!
    xo Nancy

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  5. your toughness is what makes you GOOD!

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    1. Ha! Yes Gina, I am pretty inflexible on what I won't do! Thank you so very mch for the nice compliment.

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