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[JamicaJammer]

Just exploring all possible careers, and around here, nobody even washes their windows or rakes their yard before listing their home for sale. Realtors here are 99% just money takers...even the owner/broker of the largest offices here hold open houses that are so filthy you have to dodge the cobwebs of home that are currently being lived in. And not just the low priced homes, either - all prices ranges look like this.

A few yrs ago there was a staging company here in town but it went bust. So, I'm trying to figure out if it's just too costly, or what.

Homes here sell in about 90 days or less, so perhaps nobody NEEDS that service.

Thoughts? Have you used a stager to sell? How was their fee structured?

TIA.

[151949]

I think people who are desperate to try and sell a house may fall for this but if a home is decently clean and cared for and properly priced it will sell on it's own.generally when a house does not sell it is because it is OVERPRICED.

[brii]

I've sold 3 homes and never used a staging company.

My thought is if it's clean and clutter free and priced right, it will sell. Staging is a rip off, IMO.

We have looked at a lot of homes. And I cannot believe how people live. It's frightening sometimes. These were not inexpensive homes either.

[Jaspersmom]

It would seem to me if houses sell within 90 days in spite of their condition, there is no need for staging. Usually staging is done so houses will sell quickly. Ninety days seems pretty fast. In my area, there are houses that have been on the market for over a year or more and with very small reductions in prices. You could always volunteer to stage a house. If it sells faster than expected, then the owners could spread the word about your services and you could set a fee. Sometimes just a good cleaning service and an organizer can help stage the house to make it presentable. If you do consider doing staging, just remember it's about de-cluttering and creating balance in a room.

[Sooner]

If your furniture and decor are out of date and you have too much in the house, staging I think would pay off big time. Some fresh paint and nicer furniture (and often LESS) makes a world of difference. I know sometimes I've gone in a house that is nice, but I can't get past the clutter and the furniture.

[Bestdressed]

We cleared out all the clutter, took out all the small knick knacks, family pics and have a just a few larger decorations. I had nothing on the counter top except my decorative polish pottery canister set and coffee pot. We even took out a few pieces of furniture to make the rooms look larger. We cleaned the windows, took out the screens to make the house seem brighter. (all realtor suggestions.) Every time we had an appt I would go through house dust and vacuum.

I think if the house is neat, and not look cluttered it will sell. I pretend I am going to look at the house and change what would turn me off.

[KathyPet]

I used a very experienced realtor the last time we sold. She made some very good suggestions on how to present the house to best advantage which I followed. I had to store some furniture pieces, remove wallpaper and repainting two rooms in a neutral color (my daughter's bright purple bedroom did not pass muster) . House sold much quicker than the average time on market.

[scotnovel]

I would never pay for a staging company. If you have any common sense at all, clean, declutter (inside and out), neutralize the colors in your house, and follow the suggestions of your realtor you do not need a third party to stage your house.

[Mominohio]

I would never use a staging company, as we are pretty much do it yourselfers, but the world is full of people who hire everything done. We never pay anyone to mow, landscape, clean house, wash or detail a car, interior decorate, babysit, etc. but those are all big businesses everywhere now. Many people are paying for these services and more every day.

I think if this interests you, try to hook up with a good Realtor that you know and do a couple of places for them for a very low fee. See if there might be a market. I'd try to start through a realtor rather than marketing yourself to the sellers right away, as the realtor will be able to put you directly in touch with clients who need the service.

[Debbie1426]

One of my friends used a staging company and got 18% (net of staging fees) over the highest bid from only 2 months earlier! Her home was absolutely lovely before but she sent me pictures and OMG, the change was rather dramatic - modern, updated, and sold within 2 weeks of being relisted. She got the recommendation from a realtor so, as mominohio suggests, that would be a great place for you to start. I know in NY they are commonplace and a huge business.