I think Judy answers a common question with pretty accurate numbers for most major markets.
Many home stagers were taught, in their training programs, not to post staging fees on their websites. The intended purpose was to encourage people to call for pricing and give us a chance to explain how staging would benefit them. However, I have come to realize that many people are automatically assuming that home staging is too expensive and never making that call.
Since many people still adhere to the old adage, "If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it anyway," I am in the process of designing a new website that will have my staging fees and services clearly explained and prominently displayed.
I have seen quite a few blog comments from Real Estate Agents asking, "How much does home staging cost?" If the question is answered at all, it is usually the standard, "Staging costs less than your first price reduction." True as that might be, I know you want an answer with $$$.
These are the average (or most widely used) price ranges. Some stagers' fees are lower; some are higher.
OCCUPIED HOME STAGING
VERBAL HOME STAGING CONSULTATION -- $100 - $300
HOME STAGING CONSULTATION WITH WRITTEN REPORT -- $200 - $475
HANDS-ON STAGING -- $75 - $125 hr. (many stagers have a 2-3 hour minimum)
Rather than an hourly fee, some home stagers charge a flat rate for either half or full day staging:
- $300 - $400 for half day (4 - 5 hours)
- $500 - $800 for a full day (6 - 8 hours)
VACANT HOME STAGING
The average cost for vacant home staging in the majority of markets ranges from $1,500 to $5000.Fees may be even lower for vignette or light staging but they could be considerably higher for homes that have excessive square footage or require high-end furnishings and accessories.
Now that you have a better idea of the cost of home staging, don't hesitate to contact some local home stagers and inquire about their fees for staging an occupied home. Ask if they can give you a ballpark figure for staging a vacant home. They will be happy you called.
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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. She now operates as the CEO of First Impressions Home Staging & Interior ReDesign as well as an instructor for Staging And Resign and regularly speaks at the StagerList Expos 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 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com
If you would like Marro's team to provide information on staging a property in the state of South Carolina, or the Greater Charleston Area, please visit www.WeStageSC.com, email marro.melissa@gmail.com or call 843.822.2622.
Melissa- thanks for sharing this. (thank goodness for Re-blogging). I never felt comfortable with the idea of not posting fees.
Great Reblog. I missed this when Judy posted. I had my web guy remove my fees when my fees changed recently and I keep meaning to have him list the new fees. This was a much needed reminder for me to get that taken care of. Thanks.
Thanks for re-blogging this, Melissa. Most of the REA's that commented on it said they were in the dark about staging fees. I do appreciate your help in keeping this blog circulating.
Looking forward to seeing more photos of the house you and your family are renovating!