Frequently Asked Questions

Home staging is a service which helps homeowners prepare and present their property for sale in order to attract the largest pool of potential buyers. The professional service often includes the design and placement of furniture and accessories to enhance the overall appeal to target buyers.

Home staging is effective because its purpose is to help emphasize a property’s strengths and minimizes its weaker features. It allows the home to be shown at its maximum potential and helps buyers visualize living in the home.  A properly staged home presents well both in on-line photos as well as in person during showings and creates a positive first impression. Staging helps buyers quickly make the emotional connection (to the home) needed to make an offer.

The statistics say a resounding YES! Year after year home staging continues to gain momentum because the Real Estate community is seeing the results and benefits for both the home seller and buyer.

A 2019 study by National Association of Realtors (NAR) found 83% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.  Buyers were more willing to walk through a home they saw online and identified that staging positively impacted the home’s value.

In 2019, a NAR study showed that the majority of Realtors polled believe that home staging increases the dollar amount that buyers are willing to pay for a home. The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), also found that homes that are staged before listing spend 86% less time on the market.

In simplest terms, Decorating is all about the individual. It is designed to please one’s personal style, taste, and how the owner will be using the space. Staging, on the other hand, is all about the house. It is designed to appeal to the largest and most likely group of potential buyers. A well-staged home will photograph beautifully and will lead buyers through a home while naturally highlighting the features and benefits it has to offer.

It depends on the home (and the situation). If it will be vacant or nearly empty while it is on the market, staging is often highly recommended. Research has shown that the majority of home buyers have a difficult time envisioning the space and often cannot properly judge the size of a room and what it can hold. Staging helps the buyer see the possibilities.

If the home will be occupied while on the market, it is beneficial to consult with a professional stager prior to listing the home to determine what can be done to make the home present it’s very best. They can recommend some improvements or updates that can have big payoffs and help with placement of your belongings.

Home staging is a small investment that produces big results!

If the home is vacant…

The size of your home and how many rooms you would like to stage are the key factors in determining the investment. Our pricing is based on a one-time service fee and a monthly room rate. Our pricing structure allows us to bring as much or as little as your room needs to create the perfect space to wow your buyer.

If the home is occupied….

If you will be living in your home while it’s on the market, we recommend that you start with a consultation.  For as little as $200, you can get a room by room action plan from one of our expert stagers. If you need hands on assistance, the CHS team is available at an hourly rate. (see our services)

Typically, the homeowner pays for the staging if the property is vacant. Some realtors will offer to pay for a staging consultation as one of the benefits of listing with them.

A referral from a realtor is often a good place to start. They preview many properties and are aware of the local staging companies or may have experience with one. Determine what your home staging needs are for your home.

• Do you need complete rooms or just a few pieces?
• Is price the most important factor?
• Do you value experience and quality?
• Can you see pictures of their work?