Of Course We Can Work With Your Items

I have had Realtors® call and ask if I can help a client with getting their house ready to sell.  "Of course," I reply.  The Realtor® continues by explaining that their client actually lives in the house and wants to use their own items.  "No problem," I reply.  And some times the Realtor® sounds relieved.

Evidently there is a perception that Stagers prefer to work with empty homes, or the Stager will want to bring in their own inventory.  Although some Stagers prefer to work with empty houses, many of our jobs are actually owner-occupied and we always do our best to use what they have in their house before bringing in inventory items.  It is necessary some times to do so, but not always.

A client of mine recently told me they had been quoted several thousand dollars by a Stager to bring in inventory furnishings -- even though the client had a house full of their own.  They didn't have this kind of money and really needed to sell their house.  We were able to use what they had, making modifications by repurposing items, using slipcovers, decorative pillows, and by making our own headboards.  The house sold the first week on market and for more than list price because of competitive bids. 

This experience made me wonder:  Is this why many agents and homeowners haven't or won't hire a Stager to prepare their listings or houses for sale?

It is absolutely bad business to waste a client's money.  After all, as an Accredited Staging Professional, my goal is to get the property sold as quickly as possible and for the best price possible.  This goal is to be shared with the Realtor® and homeowner.  Although it may be more lucrative for the Stager to rent out their furnishings, it is the client's needs that are to prevail, and that should always start with a budget. I can't imagine asking a homeowner to store their own items if they are in decent shape and scale (size) for the house.

Ballantyne Home Staging offers Home Staging® consultations for homeowners who are willing to do the work but are unsure where to start.  Additionally, we do both vacant and occupied Home Stagings® and offer redecorating services in the Charlotte area.

http://www.ballantynehomestaging.com/ | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com