Great Impressions Home Staging/interiors

I usually spend about 10-20 minutes talking by phone to find out where the home is located, the price (which helps determine furniture choices), how many rooms should be staged, the homeowner's budget, and the timeline for staging. I can then give a pretty good idea of cost, but ask to see the property in person to do measurements, take photos, and see the finishes and colors that will help determine my selections. I charge a $75 preview fee for that visit (and offer advice on paint colors, lighting, cosmetic items, curb appeal, etc.) that is credited back on hire. Then I do a proposal and estimate that lists the number and types of pieces of furniture that are recommended and the rooms to be staged. 

Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) through stagedhomes.com; interior design certificate from Bergen Community College; color classes from the Decorating and Staging Academy; and a member of the Real Estate Staging Association for 5 years. 

$200 for an occupied staging consultation of up to about 2 hours. $75 preview/measuring fee for vacant homes, credited back on hire. Vacant homes typically start at about $3000 for 3 months for 3-4 main rooms + baths, and can go up to $7,000 for 3 months for large homes with more rooms to stage. 

I always enjoyed design shows (HGTV), magazines, and helping family members and friends shop for fabrics, furniture, and accessories and design rooms in their homes. Also, my whole family worked in real estate so I think houses and design  are "in my blood." 

investors, home owners, real estage agents

Make sure the furniture and accessories the stager uses create a high-end lifestyle that will increase the perceived value of the home. Are they using modern furniture that appeals to todays' buyers, or is it outdated? 

Ask what training and/or experience the stager has.

Does the stager have an easily-visible on-line portfolio that showcases homes effectively?  

Does the stager have a streamlined, consistent work process and fees, including a Fee Schedule they can send you on request? 

Make sure the stager can provide testimonials and, if needed, resources for painting, organizing, estate sales, etc. 

Compare "apples to apples" when asking about pricing. Is the pricing for the same length of time (typically 3 months), same number of rooms, and is it inclusive of furniture, delivery, labor, and accessories? Or can accessories be charged on a month to month basis if desired? 

Is the stager knowledgable about design and staging trends? 

Will the stager be respective of your target buyers and what appeals to them (i.e. city buyers vs. shore or more suburban or rural buyers; younger vs. older buyers or cultural diversity in the area)?

Note how responsive the stager is and if he or she has recommendations for which rooms to stage and why. 

What is your timeline? 

What is your budget: Are you willing to pay a little more for a fuller-dressed model home look or do you want a more minimal staging to help buyers see how and where basic pieces will fit? 

Are you willing to let the stager have control over the job and understand that the design needs to meet buyer preferences and tastes in order to sell the home quickly?