The real reasons that most agents do not home stage.

April 8, 2008

In our experience here in south Florida, we find that the home owner is looking to the real estate agent for opinion on what needs to be done to sell their home.

They are asking for your professional real estate opinion. They want to know, and will most often follow your advice - TRY IT.

Yet, this is when the sellers are often let down by their real estate agent. Despite the media attention on the topic, the TV shows, the magazines and mention of home staging in the real estate trade publications, most real estate agents do not introduce staging, they suggest some basic decluttering and cleaning in an unconvincing manner;

They fear losing the listing if they “tell them like it is”. They talk the talk, but are unable to walk the walk.
Contrary to all all industry reports, they firmly believe that “It’s all about the price”, and have gotten stuck in the price reduction game rut
Do not really plan on marketing the listing, just stick it in the MLS and hope someone finds it.
It costs too much. Hmmmm, I have heard this one time and again, a consultation is inexpensive, the same as an appraisal or inpspection in most cases. Get the consutlation, perhaps the seller can do most of the pre-staging tasks themselves? Elbow grease is free (ish).

Where have they been hiding? How can they not know about the marketing value of home staging?

It’s almost like they just don’t want to hear it.

We agree that not every listing is a suitable candidate for staging;

- There is simply no budget, it’s a foreclosure/short sale
- The house is way overpriced
- The return on investment makes staging a bad investment. Consult a home staging professional for an opinon on this - it can be a short no cost phone call.

Real estate agents, mention home staging witth the same conviction that you suggest an appraisal or a pre-listing inspection, both of which are in line with the costs of a home staging consultation.

Get the marketing edge, stage to sell. Staged listings sell faster. You owe it to yourself.

There is no comission for an expired listing? Happy sellers refer their friends.

If I missed any other reasons for not staging, let me know below.

Let us know if you have others that you think we should add to this post.