Stagers wonder why Realtors would want to stage when they have so much to do? The interesting thing is that I wonder that too. Yes, I am a Realtor/staging Specialist or staging Realtor or Realtor who believes in staging, however you would like to say it. What does that mean really?
WHAT KIND OF STAGING REALTOR ARE YOU?
Actually a staging Realtor is one that
believes that staging is an integral part of their marketing plan, a major influence in their clients’ bottom line, and a huge factor in time on market and final sale price. The staging Realtor does know how to "sell" staging to their clients and that's a good thing, for the Realtor and stager. It means when you come in to do the showcasing, the client is receptive and cooperative. What a time saver, what a stress saver. It means that the Realtor could have the sellers do the un-cluttering, cleaning of the garage, removing of the sports equipment and the cat box before you get there. It makes the sellers receptive to you.
The stager's job is easier in many ways if the Realtor is on board so they can get the client prepared before your visit. Granted, some Realtors have no business doing any part of this and should defer it all to the stager. My experience is that some Realtors (you know who you are, really you do) may try to stage anyway, but shouldn't. It just makes you look like you are trying to do something outside your area of expertise, unless of course you have the expertise.
In the early years, I had to stage for my clients as there were no stagers out there. Well, there was Aunt Millie or the wife of the office manager who secretly did the Realtor's listings in their office. They were kept secret so the competition didn't know about them. They were often decorators who sometimes got the point of staging, sometimes not.
Can I stage - YES I CAN. Do I stage - YES I DO. Do I have a team of stagers who give me guidance and support - YES I DO. I stage because I love the staging, but no longer do it alone. I am smart enough to know that real estate is my focus and my expertise. My staging team lets me come along because I enjoy it when I have time. They are there when I have appointments, phone calls, other things to deal with so that I know the job will be done right. My staging team knows my inventory and if I cannot be there they know what I have and how to use it. They have their own staging businesses but it makes their job easier that I have my own inventory because it doesn't deplete theirs. Few Realtors can and should do that. It just happened as I have been staging for so long that I have accumulated an inventory of my own. I don't have to worry if they have the right couch or chair available. They are most willing to rent me their items when needed. It works.
I have come to learn that
the stager is one of my biggest assets. The truth is that I am a pretty fair stager by myself. I am an awesome stager with the synergy and creativity of the stagers I work with. We are better than the sum of our parts... much, much better. Something magical happens when we stage together rather than alone and my clients benefit immensely.
How does the stager help me, let me count the ways. The client sees me as a professional. The client sees my Team as a
full service real estate team including a professional stager . If I am off staging other people's homes rather than focusing on their transaction, how do you think they feel? I make it clear the team is there so I can attend to their real estate needs and I do. I know when to exercise my staging muscles and when to let others take care of business.
The client is educated at our first meeting and the stager supports me. We know each other's presentation so that we can defer any issues and compliment each other's work and professionalism. The stager never talks price but other than that knows how I work and will reassure the client when things pop up. The stager will always give me a recap of any comments from the client so I can better know and work with them. They are my eyes and ears.
The client respects my ability to know what I do best. I feel good that I can provide what I know makes a difference. The truth is that the stagers are as important to what I do as I am. They make me look good. In turn we all make more money as we have more time to work together by sharing the work.
Realtors often take the staging classes thinking they want to stage and save the $$... Don't worry, the smart Realtors know the minute they leave the classes that they have enough to do and will seek out a good stager. For the others, let them stage... they are no competition for you. Truthfully, they would be the ones that want to cut your fee anyway.
They actually don't get it, YET.
So target the Realtor that knows their focus and/or find some Realtors to educate. Interview them, give your presentation and get their reactions. You'll know who is a good fit for you and then create a team that will become indispensable to them.
They will count on you and you will be able to count on them for business all year long. It is a beautiful marriage, really it is. If you have a Realtor like me who is a bit more involved than you are used to, just assess whether they are really able to handle some of it. Don't feel threatened; just find ways to compliment each other. I have nothing but respect and admiration for my staging peers. Which way is right for you?
For more staging team stories check out my other blogs... (
Realtors-Does your Stager talk price to your client? and more... and
This is How a Stager Gets ALL My Business).
I am honored to have been nominated for Staging Realtor of the year for RESA . Please VOTE! I feel blessed to be among the talented group nominated and respectfully ask for your vote. Thank you for recognizing my efforts on behalf of the staging industry.
Terrylynn Fisher Realtor/Staging Specialist in Walnut Creek, California
helping sellers sell and buyers buy for 30+ years. I dedicate myself to the client’s real estate experience so as to win their trust, loyalty and referrals. It is YOUR journey, I am the guide.
