When and How To Hire A Stager - TheTruth They Don't Want You To Know

Like service providers in every other profession, not all stagers are created equal.

If your Realtor does suggest a stager, insist on seeing their portfolio. Talk to the stager to ensure they did the work in their portfolio alone.

Many people are jumping in to the staging industry after taking a 3 day training course and 'share'the staging of a house as part of their staging training. The work is then provided to them for their portfolio and website, however if they were lucky, they got to place a towel or facecloth.
These classes are filled with up to 40 students. The students did not source any of the furniture or accessories, and for the most part have no design experience beyond the staging course.

If they tell you they are Certified, I am telling you: they are NOT. The home staging industry is not regulated. Terms like Certified and Accredited are simply marketing tools to convince you, the consumer, that they must be qualified to do the job. Not an honest practice!

Insist on a stager with experience. If you want a particular stager, tell your agent. Like a home inspector or lawyer, you don't have to use the one your Realtor refers.

Never drop your price without consulting a professional stager. Realtors set your price for the market, but have no control over buyers. Unfortunately, your Realtor will be reluctant to suggest you hire a stager as you may feel they are not doing their job of selling your house.

This is where 2 Hounds Design + Home Staging comes in to the picture. We are experts in feeding the dreams and desires of potential buyers. If you bring us in, your agent will likely cover a good portion of the cost. Just don't make the mistake of waiting for them to suggest a stager.

2 Hounds Design + Home Staging can be reached at 905-240-6565. For an honest evaluation of your home, call and have us come out to your home.

Don't drop your price, have a stager prepare your home...perhaps you'll end up getting close to your original asking price. It does happen. Often.

Dane Caldwell is the Lead Design Consultant of Toronto and GTA's 2 Hounds Design + Home Staging.
www.2-hounds.com

"I won't be the person who sells your house, but I will be the reason it sells". - Dane Caldwell, Toronto/GTA & Durham Region Home Staging Specialist