"How Do I Go About Hiring A Home Stager and Do I Really Need One?" Barbara Corcoran, NYC Real Estate Expert, and correspondent on the Today Show, weighs in on this question.
She reinforced that a homeowner is not usually able to take themselves out of the equation, and put themselves into the "buyer's shoes." She is a big "believer in hiring a home stager," and thought the costs were quite reasonable for painting, redoing the floor, and buying a few things averaging around $5500 - $7500, which would include the master bedroom, kitchen and living room. Barbara suggested to ask real estate agents who they would recommend, and to look at a stagers portfolios. She also pointed out that having a home staged can make a 1% difference on the sale price, but it's usually around a 5% difference, saying it was "crazy not to consider that as an option."
I think it's great she is a believer of staging your home to sell and that home staging makes a significant difference. However, she is based in NYC, so the costs she associated with staging (in my opinion) are not typical of an average home in other areas. I can't speak for the rest of the country, however, by talking to other stagers around the country home staging does not cost this much in other areas either. If you are using your existing furnishings, updating a bit, buying a piece or two, the investment will not be as much as you think (not $5500-$7500). Typically, any repairs, painting or updates are not part of the stagers cost. The seller would hire the appropriate service person for whatever is needed. Like anything else, it's to what extent you take it.
Obviously, vacant home staging is more, because there are alot of factors into furnishing an empty home, so of course, these numbers will be more of an investment, than using what you already have.
Sellers, if you are thinking of selling your home, give your local home stager a call, it's probably not as much as you think. A home staging consultation can be extremely affordable, and possibly the best source of information for selling your home.
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Redesign Etc. of Houston is a Full-Service real estate staging company. We stage vacant, occupied, builders specs, condos, townhomes, vacation rentals and commercial property. We offer furniture & accessory rentals at competitive rates. Insured & Incorporated with the State of TX.
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Cindy- Glad to have one more supporter of Staging. Staging at any level is better than doing nothing. And, the professional stagers out there do their best to work within a client's budget!
Hi Kathy, yes, she has made quite the name for herself. Agreed, any staging, will help!
Hi Cindy ~ Barbara Corcoran is one smart cookie when it comes to real estate. I saw her spot on the Today Show, but the figures she quoted did include painting the interior and refinishing the wood floors, in addition to staging the main 3 rooms. As you said, different areas of the country have variances in pricing, and I don't quote repair costs with my staging proposals so mine are a lot less :-)
Great post and using a stager is critical with some homes!
your friend in Charlottesville
I love Barbara! I saw the clip and it was interesting to see that she included painting and repairs with 'staging', but those are all important factors in getting a home ready. Every market is different, but her overall message is so important and I'm glad it's getting out to the masses! Thanks for sharing.
Maureen, perfectly said, even though painting is part of getting house ready, it's usually done by the owner or a painting company, which isn't reflected in a stagers price. We don't do repairs, someone else does.
Thanks Charles, every home can use a stager, we can come in with buyer's eyes.
David, I read her book, was interesting how she started, very inspring story. Yes, glad she is putting the word out there.