Every month we will be adding to this series. Parts 2 & 3 are available in the May 2009 & June 2009 newsletters on our website. (June is being added today, so if it's not there when you look, check back tomorrow!)
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For years you've read our newsletters and seen our success stories and still we see many homes on the market in desperate need of staging. After talking to past clients we've realized that often times this is because many agents just don't have enough information. Each month we'll begin addressing some of the most common concerns.
Cost & Who Pays? Agents seem to have concerns about this because they are afraid that if they hire a stager then we'll suggest that they should pay for us. Well this simply isn't true! While most of our agent clients do pay for our consultations as part of their marketing budget, the staging itself should be paid by the homeowner.
Consultations are typically paid for by the agents because they help sellers understand the need for staging and what exactly will be needed to get their home show-ready. The costs are low and typically help the agent save on marketing costs. Actual staging jobs should be paid for by the seller, whether the home is vacant or occupied. When the seller pays for the staging, they typically become more invested in the process - helping keep the property in better condition, understanding the need for proper pricing, etc.
Don't worry agents, we already know how hard you work and that you too have expenses that cut into your commissions. We aren't going to ask for another piece of that pie!
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If you would like to be taught by CSP's Executive Director, Melissa Marro, see her class dates below and call 1-888-STAGING to reserve your seat. To learn more about becoming a Certified Staging Professional, visit www.csptraining.com.
- June 11-12 CSP Elite Instructor Training - Charleston, SC
- June 23 CSP Elite Agent Class - Charleston, SC
- July 8 -9 CSP Elite Instructor Training - St. Catharines, ON
- July 28-30 CSP Certification Course - Charleston, SC
- August 4-6 CSP Certification Course - Jacksonville, FL
- August 11 CSP Elite Agent Training - Charleston, SC
- August 13 CSP Elite Agent Training - Columbia, SC
- August 25 - 27 CSP Certification Course - Nashville, TN
- September 10-12 CSP Certification Course - Atlanta, GA
- September 22-24 CSP Certification Course - Denver, CO
- October 6-8 CSP Certification Course - Charlotte, NC
- October 20-22 CSP Certification Course - Baton Rouge, LA
- November 10-12 CSP Certification Course - Tampa, FL
- December 1-3 CSP Certification Course - Jackson, MS
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First Impressions Home Staging & Interior ReDesign is a nationally award winning company owned and operated in Summerville, SC a suburb of Charleston, SC. We provide high quality staging for both occupied and vacant homes in the greater surrounding areas and beyond! For more information please visit, www.WeStageSC.com. If you are interested in learning about making Home Staging your profession, please visit, www.StagingAndRedesign.com for more information.
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Melissa Marro, a published artist, now turned staging advocate and national speaker speaks her mind about real estate and the home staging industry. In her 'no holds barred' approach, audience members find real answers to the industries pitfalls and learn how to overcome them with tried and true information and guidance. With marketing as her passion, she turned a small home based business into one of the nation's largest home staging and training facilities. Selling her successful home staging company in January 2012, Marro is now a full time speaker and instructor for Staging And Resign and Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)'s trade events.
For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.619.1593 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com
Melissa ~ It can also depend on the situation and the market. Many times an agent gladly pays for the staging when they know that it will result in a quicker sale for a higher price (and a faster payment to them). There's also the situation of reimbursement at closing, which often occurs as well.
Of course there are many ways to handle business. I find this is the most common way. If we promote to agents that it is their responsibility to pay for the services, I think most agents would be unable to stage. I also think the homeowner has the most to gain and should pay. Of course we also have situations where the agent has paid - sometimes it has gone well, a couple of times it hasn't. Every situation is unique and should be handled as such.
Melissa,
I couldn't agree more. I see a huge sense of relief when I tell agents that their client is expected to pay for the staging, not them! Most will pay for my consultations or will reimburse their clients up to a certain dollar amount at closing. Talk about a smart way to make sure they keep the listing!
I think there are regional differences in how this is done and of course a crucial factor is the price point.
Generally speaking, for the luxury home market in Houston, the agent is expected to pay for any/all marketing costs for the property, and they choose which services they want/trust for their particular property ...ie pro photography, virtual tour, floor plan, staging, landscaping, etc.
Also, as I learned from several agents, many times this is outlined by the brokerage's operating rules. The broker's reputation is such that there are "no additional fees" back to the home seller. J