Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I sell my house just like it is and let the buyer make the changes they want to?
In past years, this argument may have worked but today's buyer is much more interested in a home that is move-in ready and one that is free from the previous owner’s personality. In “buyer’s markets” (where there are a lot of homes on the market) buyers have the luxury of selecting homes that are in new or pristine condition. In “seller’s markets” (where homes can be flying off the shelf) the homes that have been properly prepared for sale demand even a higher asking price than their competition. Northwest Staging & Redesign can assist you in prioritizing the areas in your house that need the most attention while providing the “biggest bang for your buck”.
Can I do the home staging myself; after all I love those HGTV shows!
Yes, the many home-television shows have certainly brought attention to the concept of Staging; however they fail to truly represent the level of expertise and realistic time frame needed to properly prepare a home for sale. Most sellers are unable to separate themselves from the property enough to make unbiased decisions about what needs to be done. Home Staging is best left to the professionals who can objectively look at your property with the potential buyer in mind. We are trained to quickly assess your home’s space, features, and problem areas without being emotionally connected to its history. We have the knowledge of using proper color psychology, furniture layout, and know-how to neutralize your home so that it appeals to the most buyers.
Can I just de-clutter and straighten up like I have in the past?
Most agents can assist you with the basics of de-cluttering and generalized cleaning necessary to start the process. However “the way we live in our homes and the way we market and sell our homes are two different things!” 75% of buyers are now using the internet as their form of shopping for real estate, and consequently the online photos are their very first impression of your greatest asset – your house! The differences between Staged vs. un-staged properties become obvious within a very short amount of time. Buyers quickly discriminate which homes they are interested in previewing based on the perspective they get when looking at a 3” x 3” photo on their computer. Most sellers can’t objectively view their homes as being ready to sell without the assistance of a third party professional – however most buyers can tell which houses have been Staged!
Why can’t I sell my property vacant? Don’t vacant rooms look bigger than rooms with furniture in them?
Unfortunately, that is a myth that many sellers still believe in. It has been said that only 10% of the population can visualize the potential of a vacant room. Empty rooms emanate a hollow and lonely feeling. When potential buyers are touring a property, they are trying to mentally “move into” that space. It is important for them to imagine how the house will work for them. They begin tailoring the space to their needs and their furnishings. Vacant homes make this process very difficult. For most buyers, selecting the right home is based upon the emotional connection they get when previewing, and will remember it based upon the warm (or cold) feeling they received. In addition, any flaws or blemishes receive greater attention in vacant properties which give the buyer reasons to fixate on those problems.
My house isn’t large enough to warrant Staging.
Any home, no matter what the price or location, can benefit from professional staging. After all, can you think of any product that would not sell better if presented in its best possible light? Whether you are living in a small cottage, modern condo, or multi-million dollar estate, our services have assisted sellers by providing the ultimate competitive edge.
Why should I invest money into a house that I’m selling?
The same principal applies to selling your house as it does selling your car. It is important that you clean it, fix any repairs, replace the tires if necessary, etc. Staging is a marketing tool and savvy sellers understand that merchandising is critical in today’s real estate market. Your house becomes a product that needs to attract as many potential buyers as possible. Northwest Staging & Redesign is here to help!
How much does Staging cost?
At Northwest Staging & Redesign, we strive to work within your budget and timeline in order to assist you in selling your property. As always, our initial appointment to meet with you is complimentary and we prefer to tour your property before we provide any quotation for our staging services. We understand that chemistry is important, and we value your trust in us. Once we have previewed the property we will provide either a Home Staging Consultation Report and/or a Home Staging Proposal. These will outline the scope of our services including any Staging and/or any monthly furniture rental fees. We are proficient at each aspect of Staging including the many hours of up-front work such as budgeting, preparing a staging plan, furniture selection, shopping, assembly, delivery, installation and creative design. For additional information on our services and fees, please see our “Menu of Services”.
“The investment of Staging is less than your first price reduction.” Barb Schwarz, StagedHomes.Com

