Many home sellers and site readers write to me asking about where they can get free home staging. Of course, most do not actually expect to get a positive response, since the majority of people embrace the idea that “nothing is free”. Well, in the case of home staging, this is both right and wrong at the same time.
Many sellers can get no cost home staging, but only if they use particular real estate agents and agree to the typically higher commissions inherent to this industry practice. The chances of having a home stager work for free without some incentive is extremely low. Come on people, let’s be real here.
This essay examines how to receive property staging for free. We will also contrast this occurrence against more likely low cost staging practices.
How to Benefit from Free Home Staging
The easiest way to enjoy truly free home staging is to pay for it. Huh? Yes, you can benefit from home staging which is provided free of additional charge by some very competitive real estate brokers. Many real estate professionals who are trying to make names for themselves, and increase their market shares, offer complimentary staging for all their clients. This is a win/win situation, since the client loves the perk and the agent gets the benefit of a much more aesthetic property to present to potential buyers.
In the end, the staging cost comes out of the rather large commission paid to the agent anyway and both the agent and seller both have the chance for a fast and profitable sale. In virtually all cases, free staging is performed by in-house stagers, who actually work for the real estate office, but in some cases, may be provided by external private contractors for a reduced cost.
Free Home Staging Facts
Of course, not all properties will qualify for free staging. First, the real estate office you are using must offer the program to begin with. In some property markets, this is common, while in others it is unheard of. Next, the cost of the staging must be easily absorbed in the commission, making higher-end homes far more likely to enjoy this perk than bargain properties.
In Manhattan, NY, virtually all real estate professionals arrange staging for residences, since the average cost of sale is typically in the millions. In Flint, Michigan, this is not a common practice, since the low cost of real estate makes including any free services very difficult. Location is truly the crucial factor here. However, even in less pricey markets, fierce competition among real estate offices can force giveaways, like free staging, in order to acquire and retain clients. Competition is good for the seller in these scenarios.
Assistance with Free Home Staging
Before committing to a contract with a local real estate office, ask them about free staging for your home. Contact a few offices and see if any are open to the idea. Enlightened real estate pros will definitely consider the request, since even though it means a lower profit for them, they know that staging will get the home sold much faster and will prevent them from losing a stale listing. Additionally, if the real estate agent has some good connections in the staging industry, they will likely be able to convince their stager friends to work at a discounted rate to minimize their own risk.
The bottom line comes down to this: If you are going to book your listing with a real estate professional anyway, and they happen to offer truly free staffing without increasing their commission, then it is a triumph. However, if you are getting staging included, but are paying a higher commission, you might actually wind up paying more than if you hired the stager yourself. Keep this in mind.
Most importantly, even if you have to pay the cost of home staging, it is still a terrific investment, since the fees are tax deductible in the US and will still help you to earn more profit from the sale.