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When it comes to selling homes, staging is a crucial tool that can have a significant impact on a property’s appeal and its eventual sale. However, a common question among real estate agents and homeowners is why staging fees are not calculated based on square footage or the number of rooms.
To address this, we need to explore the intricacies of home staging, the factors that influence its cost, and why a one-size-fits-all pricing model doesn’t work in this industry.
The intricacies of home staging
Home staging involves more than just placing furniture in a room. It is a blend of art and science that requires an understanding of design principles, market trends, and buyer psychology. Staging professionals work to create an environment that allows potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the space.
This process includes several detailed steps:
1. Consultation and planning. A staging project begins with a consultation where the stager evaluates the home and discusses goals with the client.
This initial step is crucial as it lays the groundwork for the entire staging process. The consultation helps identify the home’s needs (e.g. furniture and accessories) to accurately prepare a quote.
2. Design and selection. Based on the consultation, the stager develops a design plan tailored to the home’s architecture, target market, and current trends. This plan includes selecting furniture, accessories, artwork, and other decor items to highlight the home’s best features.
Not all homes are the same. Some properties benefit from modern furniture and accessories, while others may shine with more traditional pieces. Knowing what each property needs is both an art and a skill possessed by well-trained stagers.
Photo credit: Justin Dadswell & Lorenzo Yenko
3. Logistics and coordination. Staging involves coordinating various moving parts, including the delivery and placement of items, which requires logistical planning.
This may involve renting furniture, arranging transportation, and sometimes coordinating with other professionals such as painters or cleaners. A stager’s role is to help alleviate some of the burden and stress for both sellers and agents.
4. Execution. After thorough planning, the staging day(s) involve setting up the furniture and decor, ensuring everything is in place to maximize the home’s appeal both online and in person. This is a labor-intensive process that could involve four to eight people, depending on the project’s size.
Each of these steps requires a significant amount of time, effort, and expertise, which are not directly tied to the home’s size or number of rooms.
Factors influencing staging costs
Several factors contribute to the cost of staging, making it impractical to price staging services solely based on square footage or room count:
1. Condition of the home. A well-maintained home with good existing furniture and accessories may require minimal staging, while a home in need of updates or repairs will need more effort and unique pieces to stage effectively.
2. Market and target audience. The target market for the home can impact staging decisions. Luxury homes will require more sophisticated (and costly) staging inventory compared to a condominium, which needs smaller condo-sized furniture. Condo-sized furniture is often more expensive than standard-sized furniture.
Photo credit: Evios Media
3. Scope of staging. The extent of staging can vary significantly. Vacant homes will require full staging, while occupied homes might only need partial staging or enhancements to existing decor. Even in these cases, some homes have more wall space, requiring more artwork, while open-concept homes may need less artwork, even if they have the same number of rooms. Larger projects often require additional movers and designers to ensure flawless execution.
4. Inventory requirements. The cost of purchasing, renting, and transporting furniture and accessories can vary depending on the style and quantity needed. Luxury items cost more, as do unique or custom pieces.
Photo credit: Nat Kay
5. Geographic location. The cost of staging can vary based on the property’s location, especially with…
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