Professional home staging.....worth it?

I am at my wits end and willing to try everything, I haven't received a quote yet for professional staging but I am considering this. Would appreciate any feedback.

Re: Professional home staging.....worth it?

I think it does. Have you decluttered your home?

Re: Professional home staging.....worth it?

my broker has a company that does it. I think it was either $300 or $350 and if we follow through with the recommendations the broker credits it back to us a closing.

I still didn't do it BUT I have a very neutral house without a lot clutter after decluttering. I had my agents walk through and give their opinions and worked on it myself. After I was done, they felt I didn't need to do it. What does your agent think? Do they recommend it?

As a buyer, I do tend to find houses that are done nicely catch my eye more - but honestly it doesn't need to be professionally staged - just clean and clutter free!!

Re: Professional home staging.....worth it?

Thanks! I think the problem is the lack of clutter.....

Some feedback we have gotten about the upstairs is very plain, rooms look small, and the house doesn't look "lived in"

Re: Professional home staging.....worth it?

Maybe post some pics here and get feedback would help???

ETA: My frind is staging and moving into an apt. The realtor suggested it.

Message edited 8/23/2010 3:36:46 PM.

Re: Professional home staging.....worth it?

Posted by Jackie24

Thanks! I think the problem is the lack of clutter.....

Some feedback we have gotten about the upstairs is very plain, rooms look small, and the house doesn't look "lived in"

Re: Professional home staging.....worth it?

when is your next open house Jackie? maybe I can convince dh to go and I'll tell you what I thought! you won't even have to pay me!!!

I agree with going to home goods for some decorative pieces. their art section is great!! and CHEAP!

Re: Professional home staging.....worth it?

Thanks everyone! I am in the process of firing my useless realtor.....she won't let us out of the contract, it ends 9/17. I will let you know when the next open house is!

Re: Professional home staging.....worth it?

we just had our realtor in to take pictures of our home and list it. We were concerned about this as well but he said things looked good. We basically decluttered everything. Took down some personal pictures and put up some regular artwork and that was about it. My mom was telling me about a show on HG tv that talks about staging? can't hurt to look for that before you spend the money on it!

Are you on MLSLI? Why not post your number and we can look and see what might help?

Re: Professional home staging.....worth it?

Im torn about staging.. on the one hand, yes it makes a house look decluttered and ready to show
but on the other hand, i do feel it takes away the personality of a house and makes it look unlived in.

I understand the reasoning behind it, but I know for myself if i walked into a house that looked so perfect and unlived in, i would wonder why and what they were trying to hide.

just something to consider..

i think if you declutter and take down some of the personal pictures and toys or pet items if you can, then people are able to imagine their own stuff.
If your house is super cluttered with furniture, or lacking in personality, people won't be able to imagine themselves living there.

Re: Professional home staging.....worth it?

i know its worth first hand. we staged our 1 BR co-op. i was a little skeptical. my co-op sold within one month and only went down $6K from the list price. made about $12K profit.

it is stressful but definetely worth it

Re: Professional home staging.....worth it?

You can always post pics and ask our opinion!