Keep It Real Hamilton: Hi Karen, could you tell us a little about yourself?
Karen Hubert: My name is Karen Hubert and I am the owner of Center Stage Design home staging. I have been certified by Canadian Staging Professionals. As a member of the Real Estate Staging Association I have been awarded the “Pro” designation. In business for 4 years, I know what buyers are looking for.
KH: Home staging is the proven art of preparing a property for sale with the goal of selling it quicker and for as much money as possible. After cleaning, repairing, packing, and updating, home staging is the final phase of preparing for sale. The home is set up to look as much like a model home as possible.
This is accomplished by using staging techniques not considered in everyday living.
KIRH: Who is the typical client for home-staging?
KH: A typical client for home staging is any property owner preparing to sell. Property owners already listed on the market but having difficulty selling are also good clients. Builders, property flippers and real estate agents make good partners for home stagers.
For real estate agents, home staging is something they can offer clients for added value service.
KH: Although home staging requires specific design and decorating techniques, I don’t believe just any interior decorator can do it effectively.
Unless they are specifically trained in the lifestyle selling techniques required by home staging and the 8-7-6-5™ rule of staging, then I don’t believe it can be done effectively. Interior decorating is for the homeowner and home staging is for the homebuyer. Home stagers are in the business of marketing.
KIRH: What qualifications should a seller look for when choosing a home-stager?
KH: When a property seller is looking for a home stager, they should look at their qualifications. Has the home stager been trained by a reputable company?
Other questions they should consider are “Do they have a portfolio” and what was the outcome of the portfolio photos. Home staging company statistics are very important.
The home stager should have testimonials to share.
As a home stager, I believe any property can use some degree of home staging. It can be as little as advice or “tweaking” or as much as a full stage.
Having an objective eye can be the difference between not making a sale and making a sale.
No comments:
Post a Comment