How to Choose a Home Stager

Wondering how to choose a home stager? It all starts with asking the right questions. Here are 10 to help you find the right team for your needs.

Selling your house is a big deal—both figuratively and, hopefully, literally. It can bring excitement and happiness, but it also comes with some unavoidable stress and headaches. For most sellers, home staging can help attract stronger offers and make the selling process easier. (How? Check out this blog.)

But once you’ve decided to stage, how do you choose the right home stager for your needs?

We’ve put together 10 questions to consider when deciding who you’ll trust to help you through this important decision.

#1 What does their portfolio show you?

Review a stager’s portfolio to get a sense of their style, how they work with different homes, and the quality of their furnishings. Ideally, you’ll see a variety of looks that show how they adapt their staging to different home styles and price points.

Stagers may have their portfolios on their website, like we do, which makes preliminary research easy. If not, definitely ask to see examples! You can view our portfolio at https://firstimpressionhomestaging.com/gallery/ and on our Facebook and Instagram.

#2 What do their testimonials and referrals say?

Ask for testimonials and referrals to learn what past homeowners and realtors have to say.

Positive results, such as a quick sale or strong offers, are important. What past clients and partners have to say about their experience is just as valuable.

The overall message from these can provide insight into the stager, including how they work and how they treat their clients.

#3 Do they have training and keep up-to-date?

There’s no licensing for home stagers, but the internationally recognized Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) has accredited training providers that have met stringent standards.

RESA Pro holds members to a higher standard of ethics and practices, including:

• Must pass the ethics exam and agree to follow the RESA® Code of Ethics.
• RESA-PROs are not allowed to use stock photos on their website or marketing materials.
• At least one year in business as a professional home stager, or two years working for a RESA-PRO.
• Proof of home staging business insurance.

While outside opinions can be valuable, professional design expertise is important when the sale of your home is on the line. At First Impression Home Staging, our team includes certified Staging Design Professionals™, giving us the training needed to properly market your home.

Of course, neither design nor buyers’ interests are static. That’s why it’s also important to know that your stager is staying up-to-date with the industry and current trends. Check your potential stager’s website or talk to them directly. Find out how they stay current with trends in your price and style range.

#4 What results have they achieved in previous stagings?

What do the numbers say about the success of the stager? A few key measures include how long their staged homes stay on the market and how many of their staged homes have sold at or above asking price.

Getting specific ROI numbers can also be useful for understanding the benefits of investing in home staging and quantifying the range of value you might get from staging with a particular team.

We are proud, for example, of our record of selling homes in under 14 days and at or above asking prices. You can view many of our examples on our Facebook page.

#5 Do they stage indoors only, or indoors & outdoors?

First impressions are formed before anyone ever opens your front door—both online and at the curb.

You’ll want to find out whether your staging candidates pay attention to the outside of your home as well as the inside. Free initial conversations with a few different stagers can help reveal their thinking.

Be sure to find out why different stagers do or don’t recommend staging outdoors at your home. Do they think it has limited bang for your buck? Or is there something about your home that makes it more or less important in order to be competitive?

#6 Do they take an ROI-based approach?

An ROI-based approach to choosing what gets done can help keep staging within your budget while packing the most punch when it comes to helping wow potential buyers.

Ask stagers which aspects of room design in their portfolio images were their recommendations, as well as why they made those recommendations. This is particularly important when it relates to how they prioritize the more costly suggested changes they may have made.

#7 Are they insured?

Your stager should have liability insurance. It can help cover damage to your home or injuries that may occur while they’re working there.

This is both a financial protection for you and the stager, as well as a sign of professionalism that can give you peace of mind.

While we work hard to ensure our clients’ homes and belongings are well cared for while we’re working, we understand that accidents can happen. That’s why we carry insurance, as well as workers’ compensation for our employees!

#8 What are their rates?

Your home-selling budget is important, so be sure to understand what each stager charges for their services.

Choosing the right stager and services is up to you and your family. It’s helpful to have all the information before making your decision.

#9 Is the contract clear?

Being clear on the details of the contract, and what each of your obligations and commitments will be, provides similar benefits as being clear on the rates.

Make sure you are able to review the contract, understand all its provisions, and ask any questions you might have before getting started on your staging project.

Pay special attention to the timeline, since postponing your staging project—especially at the last minute—can be costly!

#10 How will they help market your home to potential buyers?

This question helps you understand how the stager will make your home look its best and appeal to potential buyers.

For instance, at First Impression Home Staging, we strategically use furniture, color, and accessories to highlight your home’s best features. But we don’t stop there.

We research and understand the psychology of the area’s target buyers, so we know what will connect with them. As we prepare and implement your staging plan, we use these insights to create an experience that helps buyers envision their dream life in the home.

Making your house feel like their ideal home increases their desire to move in and motivates them to make a great offer!

These ten questions can help you choose the right home stager and get the best value for your home.

We’d be delighted to discuss these questions with you if you’re considering staging your home to sell. You can reach us at 919.444.5002.