Common Mistakes When Hiring a Stager

by: Ali Silverman, 1-5-24

When selling your home, the importance of leaving a positive first impression cannot be overstated. Home staging emerges as a potent tool in helping potential buyers envision themselves in your living space. However, not all home staging professionals share the same level of expertise. To ensure a smooth and successful selling process, it is vital to avoid common pitfalls when hiring a home stager.

1. Relying Solely on Price:
   We know budget is important, but making a decision solely based on price can be the biggest mistake. Prioritize quality and expertise. A stager with a lower price tag might not deliver the service or design proficiency the home needs and deserves.

2. Overlooking Communication Skills:
   Effective communication between you and the stager is pivotal. They should be open to yours and your sellers ideas, understand the concerns, and be capable of clearly explaining their thoughts.

3. Last-Minute Hiring:
   Stagers need an average of 10 days to assess the home, design plan, and execute the staging effectively.  Early planning typically results in superior outcomes, so try not to wait until the last minute to hire a stager.

4. Neglecting Home Inspection Recommendations:
   Address any repairs or improvements suggested by your home inspector before staging. The stager's role is to enhance, not conceal, underlying issues.

5. Micromanaging the Staging Process:
   While your input is valuable, it's essential to remember that you hired a professional for their expertise. Excessive involvement in the process can hinder their creative flow and lead to suboptimal outcomes.

6. Skipping the Consultation:
   Many stagers offer consultations where they provide recommendations and will measure the home to ensure the right furniture fits. It’s vital that a stager comes to see the home before they make the appropriate decisions and suggestions.

Hiring a home stager is a strategic decision that significantly influences your property's sale. By sidestepping these common pitfalls, you create the conditions for effective collaboration with a skilled stager capable of transforming your home into an irresistible and marketable property. Remember, the goal is to create a space that resonates with potential buyers, facilitating a quicker and more profitable sale.