Are you ready to put your home on the market? If so, staging could help you attract more buyers, achieve a quicker sale, and even secure a higher sale price. Beyond merely beautifying your home, the process is about creating a space that many buyers can imagine as their own—and that requires a well-trained eye.
When it comes to choosing the right professional, you have no shortage of options. Whether you work with a stager or a real estate agent with in-depth staging experience, screening is the key to finding someone who can make your home shine!
Here are a few ways to identify a qualified and talented staging professional…
Top-notch references
One of the best ways to assess a stager’s potential is by looking into their past performance. While you can glean a lot of useful information from online testimonials, there’s also something to be said for going directly to the source—and that means asking to speak with former clients. Hearing first-hand experience will give you a sense of how a prospective stager might approach your home, the kind of results you can expect, and what working with them is really like.
A stunning portfolio
Seeing is believing, which is why it’s always a good idea to view a stager’s portfolio before you decide to work with them. Seeing their before-and-after photographs will give you a strong sense of their vision—and their ability to execute on it. Of course, not all home transformations are created equal. When you’re assessing images, try to look beyond your aesthetic preferences. Keep in mind that stylish-yet-understated design (along with the right homey touches) will attract the largest potential pool of buyers.
Beautiful inventory
While imagination and skill lie at the heart of every beautiful staging job, the end result is always better when you start with the right materials. Whether you opt for a full-on transformation or a few key enhancements, sophisticated pieces of furniture, decor, and artwork can give your home the “wow” factor that buyers are looking for. During the selection process, be sure to ask each prospective stager about the inventory they have to work with.
A clear timeline
Selling a home can be complicated, but hiring experienced professionals can take much of the stress out of the process. Whether you work with a dedicated home stager or an agent who has staging expertise, look for someone who sets clear expectations and a timeline that aligns with your home-sale goals. Be aware that having a strong vision for your home is one thing; working through the logistics to bring it to fruition is quite another.
Helpful interview responses
When it comes to feedback on the state of your home, honesty is key. The last thing you want is to work with a staging professional who only tells you what you want to hear—as opposed to what you need to hear. To ensure your property makes the best possible impression, use each interview as an opportunity to learn how it can be improved in the eyes of buyers. Remember, a true professional won’t hold back when they tell you what needs to change, nor should they.
Selling a home requires knowledge, skill, and dedication. The good news is, the right preparations (which include tasteful staging) can help you put your property on the market with confidence—and achieve a highly-successful sale. It all starts with the right staging professional!
Interested in staging to sell your home for more? Reach out today to learn how I can help!