• What is Staging and what does it have to do with Real Estate? 
• Isn’t Staging just another word for “decorating”? 

These are common questions about one of the most productive ways you can improve the marketability of your home: Staging.

Staging was invented in Bellevue, Washington back in 1972 by real estate broker Barb Schwarz.  She was working with a buyer who enjoyed theater and needed to improve the appearance of her home before putting it on the market. 

Schwarz decided that making analogies to theater would be a perfect way to get the seller to make needed improvements.  Her home became “the show”, real estate agents were “the critics”, and buyers were “the audience”.   Great reviews and word of mouth were the name of the game!

In a nutshell, Staging is a series of actions taken to prepare a home to sell quickly and for as much money as possible.  Staging is “packaging” of the home so that is as appealing and inviting to as many buyers as possible. 

A well-staged home allows the potential buyer to “mentally move in”.  This means that it is de-personalized, which is the opposite of decorating.  Rooms are de-cluttered and re-arranged to allow their size and potential to show – not the homeowner’s furniture and personal photos.   (After all, those aren’t for sale, are they?)

• Is there a difference for me as a Seller if my house is or is not Staged?

After most of us live in a house for a period of time, we naturally accumulate things and are busy with family, hobbies, and – just plain old living!  Working with an ASP Realtor and ASP Stager offers sellers valuable information and recommendations that will make their home more appealing to “the eyes of the buyer”.

A favorite saying of Schwarz is: “Buyers only know what they see, not the way it’s going to be.”  Most people do not have the visual skills to see beyond what is in front of them, and if they don’t find rooms inviting and spacious, they will most likely select another home. 

It can be a challenge to maintain the “Staged” look throughout the sale process, but it is important to remember that, in Schwarz’ words, “The way we live in our homes and the way we market our homes are two different things!”  The good news is that Staged homes typically sell faster than un-staged homes, so the inconveniences of having your home on the market will end much faster if it is Staged.

Staging can take several forms, depending on whether the home is occupied or vacant and the seller’s budget and needs.   A seller can get a proposed list of recommendations from a consultation with an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP), and make the changes him or herself, or contract with the ASP to have the home staged.  In a vacant home, the ASP Stager will Stage the home with rented furniture and the seller may pay for the staging and the rental fees. A properly Staged home begins with the exterior and yard, and landscape and garden work may be recommended.  An Accredited Staging Professional will also stage every room of a home –not just the main living areas.

• How much does Staging cost? 

“The cost of Staging can vary, depending on how much work is needed and how much work the homeowner wants to do him or herself,” said Jackie Tawney Moore, ASPM and owner of Encore Home Staging.  “But the cost of Staging is never more than the first price reduction on a home that is not selling.”

• Why do I want to work with a Realtor who is an Accredited Staging Professional?

As we move from a heated “Seller’s Market” toward a more balanced market in 2006, homes will take slightly longer to sell and buyers will be more demanding of sellers in terms of their expectations.  Staging will be more important than ever in the successful sale and marketing of real estate.

As an ASP Realtor, I am a firm believer in the value of Staging a home to sell it quickly and for the best possible price.  If you want to know more about Staging, feel free to contact me, or visit the website: www.stagedhomes.com

Key Components of Staging

As an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) assesses a home, there are a couple key components that make Staging work. 

1. Curb appeal of the home.  Can you see the property from the street and is it appealing?
2. Find a purpose for each room.  When a den/laundry/office room goes onto the market, it needs to be staged so that its purpose is clear to a buyer. 
3. Find a focal point for each room and draw attention there.  Is there a view?  A fireplace?  A place to relax and read?  Highlight it for the buyer with Staging.
4. De-cluttering and de-personalizing are essential.  What furniture and personal items will be packed safely away and what will stay in the room? 
5. Bring nature inside.  Buyers find plants relaxing and welcoming.  Most rooms should include a plant or flowers of some type.

Tips for Creating a Staged look in your home

If you really enjoy walking through Open Houses and Model Homes where everything seems open, inviting, airy, and clutter-free, you may want to apply the principles of Staging to your own home. 
You can call in a Staging professional, (I have several talented ASP Stagers to refer), or you can try some of these tips on your own:

1. From outside of your home, walk into your house as if you have never seen it before.  What do you notice that is appealing or unappealing?  Make notes of your impressions.
2. Walk into every room and think about how it makes you feel.  Cluttered rooms can make people nervous or unhappy.  Pay attention to the message each room sends you!
3. Follow some of the “Key Components” above and set a plan to de-clutter, pack away or sell unnecessary items in each room, create a focal point, add some plants and/or fresh accessories in a color you like.

You will be amazed at what a difference these simple steps will make in the enjoyment of your home. 

Sara Cummings is affiliated with Frank Howard Allen Realtors, Petaluma.  She can be reached at 707/775-2260.