What to Expect When Hiring A Home Stager
Selling your home can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to presenting it in the best possible light. Hiring a professional home stager is a proven way to attract more buyers and potentially increase your sale price. If you’ve never worked with a home stager before, you may be wondering what the process looks like. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect when you hire a home stager and why it’s a worthwhile investment.
1. Initial Consultation and Report
The process begins with an in-depth initial consultation. During this visit, your stager will spend at least two hours at your property, depending on its size, taking photos and detailed notes on each room. This time allows them to carefully assess the property’s layout, condition, and key areas that could benefit from staging.
Following the visit, your home stager will prepare a comprehensive report, outlining their recommendations. This report will include feedback on furniture arrangement, colour choices, decor, and any adjustments needed to highlight your home’s strengths. It’s designed to give you clear, actionable steps to enhance the appeal of your property to potential buyers.
Key Tip: During the consultation you may wish to share any areas of particular concern in the property. The home stager will be able to advise how to address these and propose solutions in the report.
2. A Tailored Staging Proposal and Schedule of Works
After the consultation and follow-up report, your stager will create a personalised proposal that takes your property’s unique characteristics and your goals into account. This proposal will consider factors such as your timeline and budget, while outlining exactly what changes will be made to optimise the space for buyers. It may include not only decluttering, rearranging furniture, and adding key accessories or rented pieces to create a more cohesive space, but also more extensive updates like redecorating or repairs.
A deep clean is typically included as part of the proposal. Your stager can arrange for professional cleaners to ensure your home is spotless before the staging implementation. Every detail, from fresh paint to sparkling floors, is considered to ensure the property is presented at its best for both photos and viewings.
Once the proposal has been accepted, the stager will provide a schedule of works in keeping with your agreed timeline.
Key Tip: Keep an open mind when reviewing your stager’s recommendations, as even small updates can have a significant impact on how buyers perceive your home.
3. Furniture and Accessory Selection
Once the plan has been approved, your stager may recommend bringing in additional furniture or décor to complement the space. If the property is vacant, or if existing furniture needs refreshing, your stager can source or rent items such as sofas, dining tables, artwork, or even plants to breathe life into the home.
In an occupied home, they’ll likely focus on editing what’s already there, bringing in smaller touches like cushions, lamps, or artwork to enhance each room. Every item is chosen with the buyer’s perspective in mind, ensuring the home feels welcoming and aspirational.
Key Tip: Even simple additions like fresh linens or strategically placed artwork can elevate a room. Your stager’s expert eye will know just what’s needed to create a cohesive, inviting space.
4. The Staging Day
Staging day is when the transformation happens! Depending on the size and scope of the project, staging could take a few hours or a full day. Your stager will arrange furniture, hang artwork, and set up decorative accessories to create the perfect look for each room.
At this stage, the stager’s goal is to create a flow through the house that highlights each room’s function and maximises its visual appeal. If your home has an awkward or unusual layout, this is where staging can truly work its magic—rearranging spaces to make them feel more functional and inviting.
Once everything is in place, professional photos will be taken. This step is crucial, as most buyers begin their search online. Beautiful, high-quality images of a well-staged home can make a significant difference in generating interest and attracting viewings.
Key Tip: Be prepared to keep your home “viewer-ready” after staging. Your home stager can usually provide a checklist to help with this.
5. Increased Buyer Interest
The ultimate benefit of home staging is creating a strong emotional connection between buyers and your property. When potential buyers walk into a home that feels warm, inviting, and move-in ready, they are more likely to envision themselves living there.
Staged homes not only look better in photos but also tend to sell faster and at higher prices than non-staged homes. In today’s competitive market, staging can make your property stand out and reduce the time it spends on the market.
Key Tip: While staging is an investment, it’s one that often pays off. Faster sales and higher offers can more than offset the cost of professional staging, making it a smart move for sellers looking to get the best result.
Why Choose Professional Staging?
The difference between a staged and non-staged home can be dramatic. By working with a professional home stager, you’re giving your property the best chance to shine in a competitive market. With a tailored approach to every home, you’ll receive a personalised plan that highlights the strengths of your property while downplaying any potential weaknesses.
As an experienced home stager, my process is designed to take the stress out of preparing your home for sale. From the initial consultation to the final staging day, I work with you to ensure your home looks its best, attracts serious buyers, and sells for its maximum value.
