Let's Talk Staging...

One of the most common concerns I hear when I'm out speaking with realtors is that they don't know how to suggest staging without offending their clients. I hear this over and over... and it's unfortunate when the client doesn't get the benefit of a consultation because the realtor isn't comfortable raising the subject.

What it comes down to is an understanding that staging isn't decorating, so whether we're consulting in a beautifully decorated home or something furnished in "early parent", the focus is always the same. We're not selling their taste or style, or commenting on how they live... we're selling their house.

So, I'm offering up a few scripted lines that should open the conversation more delicately for you...

"Now that you've decided to sell your house, we need to make sure that everyone who comes through the door can picture themselves living there. As part of my services to all my clients, I provide a home staging consultation. My stager is very experienced and will be able to work with your beautiful things to help sell the house quickly."

Or

"I can tell that you've taken great care with your home over the years, it's beautiful and it reflects who you are. Unfortunately sometimes that doesn't help sell your house quickly because people really don't want to know who they are buying their new home from. As part of my services to all my clients, I provide a home staging consultation. My stager is very experienced and can help us make sure that whoever comes through your door can picture their own family living here too."

Or just the straightforward...

"The way that you live in your home is very different than the way we will sell your house. As part of my services to all my clients, I provide a consultation with a professional home stager. My stager will be able to make sure that when people come through your front door they can picture themselves living here and will want to make us an offer."

Staging is about selling, where decorating is about living... once you become comfortable conveying that message, you'll find that your clients will be receptive to our suggestions and many will surprise you in what they're prepared to tackle.

Christine Bird operates New View Home Staging in the Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge, Ontario markets. Visit www.newviewehomestaging.ca or call 519-505-0892 to speak with Chris directly.