STAGED RIGHT QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
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1. Question – Please explain what staging is and how it applies to the sale of home?
Answer – Staging is the art of showcasing your home to the broadest possible audience through strategic placement of furniture, accessories & artwork. You want to create an ideal lifestyle that appeals to the largest segment of buyers that it is move in ready.
2. Question – We are in the process of preparing our mothers’ home for sale. The home was built in 1958. The floors have been changed through the years @ different times. We are now left with four different vinyls…one in the laundry area, one in the kitchen & two different floor selections for each bathroom. What can we do to make this work?
Answer – My suggestion is to select one vinyl that will work in all of the locations from the bath to the kitchen. Find a common thread, like color, and watch how much larger the rooms look without all of the floor breaks.
3. Question - Why do I need to stage my home before I put it on the market?
Answer – Staging helps your home to stand out in a sea of properties. Staging presents the home as “MOVE IN READY”. We work to play up the positive and play down the less than perfect.
4 .Question – We just purchased our home and it is definitely a fixer upper. There is a lot of very dated wallpaper that really must go. Unfortunately, after hiring a painter to strip the wallpaper, he let us know that the walls were originally prepped for paper. Do you have any ideas as to how we can update with this problem?
Answer – YES, I have two ideas. If the wallpaper is up as tight as the day it was installed, lightly hand sand the seams and, prime the walls. This way you can paint over with the color of your choice, If there are no more than two layers of wallpaper (3 total is max), select one of the new faux finish wallpapers and create the updated look of grass cloth, sponging, ragging, marbleizing or combing.
5. Question – What statistic are available to prove that staging works?
Answer – There have been many articles written to confirm how staging works. The study published in the San Jose Mercury News in May of 2000 states the information best:“Staged homes in the Bay Area were on the market 13.9 days as opposed to non-staged homes @30.9 days. Staged homes sold for an average of 6.3% above list price while non-staged homes sold for an average 1.6% above the list price”.
6 .Question – We are in the middle of making some decisions about a remodel we are planning. for our home. What are the most cost effective upgrades we should be considering?
Answer – with all of the new energy efficient information available to the homeowner today, replacing your windows must be a consideration. The return for hardwood floors remains very high, and most buyers are looking for real hardwood materials. When it comes to window treatments, the most energy efficient way to dress your window is with wood shutters.
7. Question - How much does it usually cost to stage my home?
Answer - The average staging cost is about $1.00 a square foot. The price varies depending on the furniture, accessories & artwork you need. A high end stage can cost as much as $15,000 - $25,000, depending on how much landscaping, painting, cleaning & repairs required during the “pre-stage”. The homeowners can save a lot of money if they are willing to do some of the pre-stage work themselves.
8. Question - What do you include in your bid when you are staging for a party and/or a holiday?
Answer – When we stage a home for a party, we can do as much or as little as you wish. We have staged weddings that have included everything from the selection of location, flowers, photographers, food & beverage to actually setting up and supporting the bride and her family the day of the event. Many times, because of the connections we have developed, the over-all cost of the wedding turns out to be less when you use our services.
9. Question – If I am on a limited budget can I still use an Interior Designer?
Answer – If your budget is modest, it is even more important for you to avoid making a purchasing error. A two hour consultation runs $200.00- $300.00 can save you thousands of dollars by insuring that you get the biggest impact for your Interior Design
Dollar. Our report includes 8 pages of information detailing what you need in every room you are planning to remodel..
10. Question – Is there a way I can design my home a little bit at a time?
Answer – Absolutely! Our proven method of design in stages allows you to pay as you go and savor each part of the project as it presents itself. As part of our design presentation, we include a list of priorities that will allow you to follow a step by step list of priorities.
11. Question – Hanging artwork is such a huge part of the aesthetics in the final design of a home. Do have any set rules to make this part of the project easier for the home owner?
12. Question – My windows have mini blinds and my sliding glass doors have verticals. The look is cold and unfinished. What can I do to warm up the windows and add to the design statement of each room?
Answer – To soften the windows, they need framing. Valances are the very least treatment each window requires to be framed. For your living room, dining room & master bedroom, I suggest adding valances along with stationary side panels. The treatments can be created by someone who sews with minimum skills and the basic sewing machine. There are many books available on the market today to guide you on the window treatment journey. Please see the attached window treatments with instructions “How Tos”.
13.Question – I am a contractor, working on a remodel for a property I own. When is the best time to contact a stager about staging the house?
Answer - The sooner, the better. A stager can help you with many design elements that could make your project even more saleable. Color is one of the most important pieces of information your stager can supply. He or she will be able to offer different seating arrangements that can actually increase the size of the house without increasing the square footage. You will want to lock in the time the stager needs to complete your project so that she can set the time aside for you.
14. Question – There is no question this seller needs their home staged before it sells. They are very resistant to the idea of staging and he tells his Real Estate agent that they have plenty of time to sell their property and they are willing to be patient. What words of advice could you give them to help them understand how important it is to sell their home as quickly as possible?
Answer – I always say, “Having your home staged is far less than your first price reduction”. Not only is this true, it helps the seller and the realtor.
15. Question – I am in the process of redecorating my Living Room and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. Can you give me a place to start?
Answer – It is important to consider all six walls in your decorating scheme. I always include the ceiling and the floor in addition to your four walls. Your paint color is the first decision you will need to make for walls and ceiling. Your choice in a flooring treatment can dramatically change a room and pull it all together.
Answer – Be sure to check to see if that deplorable carpet is covering beautiful hardwood floors. If it is, I would suggest spending the money to refinish the existing floors. The resale value for hardwood floors is much higher than for carpet even in the best condition. The remnant department is a great place to locate top quality carpets for less. You can find many different styles from saxonies and berbers to textures and cut piles.
17. Question – My spouse and I just purchased our second home and we have outgrown our old furniture and accessories. Of course we plan to complete the project slowly but we want to have a plan so that we minimize any errors in judgment. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer – You are just the kind of client I enjoy working with. I always suggest working out a “GRAND plan”, for each room and go through it step by step. Estimate all costs, take accurate measurements and start a file of pictures from decorating magazines that you like. Fulfill each of the steps above as you work on each element, stick to your plan and you will stay on budget!