I’m asked a lot of questions about staging and how I work. See below for some of my most common questions and responses, but please feel free to call and ask more. I would love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why hire a home stager?
Let’s start with the facts: A 2019 survey by the National Association of Realtors found that 83% of buyers find it easier to visualise a property as their future home when it’s staged. Additionally, homes staged before listing spend 90% less time on the market compared to non-staged properties. That’s a powerful incentive!
Here’s another key point: 93% of buyers begin their search online. This means stunning photos are essential to attract a large pool of potential buyers. But it doesn’t stop there—when buyers visit, a beautifully presented property encourages them to linger, imagine themselves living there, and leave with a lasting impression.
This creates a winning formula for you:
- More buyers drawn in through eye-catching photos.
- Longer visits as they connect emotionally with the space.
- Stronger recall of your property as the standout option.
The result? Increased competition, a higher selling price, and less time on the market.
What sets you apart from other stagers?
While there are many talented stagers out there, what sets me apart is my hands-on property experience and deep understanding of what buyers are looking for. I approach every home with a buyer’s mindset, staging it to highlight its best features and subtly downplay any less desirable areas.
I treat every project as if it’s my only one, tailoring my services to fit your budget and timeline. Flexibility is key—I don’t stick to rigid schedules. Instead, I keep working until your home is perfectly presented and ready to impress.
When is the best time to hire a home stager?
The best time to call me is before you list your property. First impressions are everything in real estate, and while you can reach out after listing, you risk losing potential buyers who may not return once the staging is complete.
If you’re the homeowner, I can collaborate with you and your real estate agent to select décor that resonates with your target market. Together, we’ll create a space that appeals directly to the buyers you want to attract.
How much does home staging cost?
Guarantee:
I offer competitive pricing and high-quality home staging services. I work closely with you to create a pricing plan that fits your budget, and I don’t impose time limits—I keep working until I’m satisfied with the perfect result.At iTransform Homes, we deliver exceptional staging at an affordable price.
Tailored to Your Home
There’s no one-size-fits-all fee—pricing depends on the size, location, layout, and style of your home. I’ve staged everything from one-bedroom apartments to six-bedroom homes, and no job is too big or too small. However, pricing can vary depending on the number of items needed to stage the property.Typically, I focus on staging key areas like the living room, lounge, dining room, kitchen, study, master bedroom, and bathrooms. For an accurate estimate, it’s best to give me a call. After assessing your property, I’ll provide a firm quote and recommend the best approach. From the first phone call to the final staging, the process is fast and seamless.
Would you explain the process of staging a property?
Most clients contact me in advance to make arrangements, which is ideal. The earlier you reach out, the sooner I can secure dates and ensure the best furniture fit for your property. During peak times, I can be fully booked up to two weeks in advance.
Preparation Process
- Initial Call: Contact me, and I’ll provide an over-the-phone estimate based on your home’s size and the number of rooms.
- Property Visit: On an agreed day and time, I’ll visit your property to meet with you and/or your agent. We’ll walk through the home and develop a targeted staging plan.
- Proposal & Quote: I’ll email you a detailed proposal, written quote, and terms and conditions of trade.
- Acceptance & Timeline: Once the quote is accepted, we’ll set a timeline and arrange property access.
- Furniture Logistics: I’ll book professional furniture carriers to handle pick-up and delivery.
- Payment: Invoicing and payment are completed before staging begins.
Staging Process
7. Staging: The staging process begins and concludes when your home is photo-ready.
Conclusion – End of Contracted Staging Period
8. Notice: Five working days before the contract ends, you’ll contact me to either:
a) Extend the staging period, or
b) Arrange for staging removal.
9. Removal: Staging is removed with five working days’ notice.How long does it take to stage a house?
I ask for two days so I can deliver perfection before speed. Day 1 allows for professional furniture carriers to deliver at a time to suit their schedule. On Day 2, I stage. I usually like to start in the morning and be done by the end of day. However, I can accommodate 1 day staging if booked early enough.
Is it important to depersonalise and stay neutral in décor?
Not always, but sometimes—it depends on the property! According to leading stagers worldwide, the traditional neutral staging style is no longer enough to captivate buyers. To stand out in today’s market, it’s essential to give each property a unique look and personality that sets it apart from the competition.
At iTransform Homes, we’ve embraced this approach. Every staging project we undertake is tailored to highlight the individual selling points and style of the property, ensuring it speaks directly to potential buyers.
Does your pricing include hire of the furniture?
Yes, all of my prices include the upfront staging costs as well as the agreed furniture rental period. Most properties sell within four to six weeks. For those that take a little longer, we can either negotiate a longer rental period upfront or apply an extension fee after the initial agreed term ends.
Do I need to be at the property when you are working?
No, I only require that you and/or your authorised real estate agent are present during the initial consultation. This allows me to gather the necessary background information to stage your property effectively.
What Condition Should the Home Be In for Staging?
Staging is the final step before photography. This means all renovations, cleaning, and moving should be completed before I come in to stage the property.
Do you use your inventory to stage homes that are occupied?
Yes, I work closely with homeowners to declutter and rearrange their existing furniture and décor. I also recommend any additional items needed to make the home more appealing to buyers. This process should ideally be completed before the property is listed.
Note: Staging an occupied home is possible but depends on household activity. Factors like pets or small children may pose risks or concerns for homeowners. If you’re unsure, feel free to call and discuss your situation.
We just bought a new home. Will you help us purchase furniture?
Absolutely! I’m always updating my inventory and stay closely connected with local furniture and design retailers. I love helping clients create their dream home, whether that’s by taking them shopping or sourcing pieces on their behalf.
Once under offer or sold, how much notice do you need to remove the staging?
A Word of Advice: If possible, keep your property staged until the sale is confirmed.
We require five working days’ notice for either:
a) extending the staging contract, or
b) removing the furniture.It’s highly recommended to keep your property staged until the sale is finalised. This ensures the best chance of securing the sale. In some cases, clients have chosen to remove the staging early, only for the sale to fall through later. By then, it’s often too late to re-stage the property, as the furniture and accessories may already be committed to other projects.