FAQ

Is staging right for you?

Yes, it is. Today's real estate market is highly competitive; staging offers you the upper hand when it comes to selling your house. Staging your house brings a quicker sale at a higher price. (According to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development report the New York Village Voice, and RESA)

What is the difference between home staging and re-design?

Staging is the process of preparing homes for sale. Staging gives sellers the advantage over unstaged homes in today's market place. ReDesign is the art of changing a home's environment to reflect the taste and needs of a home's occupants.

What is the shopping service?

The shopping service is provided to busy clients who are in need of new accessories or furnishings. Many clients select the shopping service for different reasons but the most common reasons are: their busy schedules prevent them from shopping; they are unsure of what needs to be purchased; and they are interested in taking advantage of our industry discounts.

Can I stage my house myself?

Absolutely! For clients who would like to stage their own homes we offer the following options:

Consultation for the DIY client - $395 (approximately 2 hours)

This consultation includes an in-depth analysis with a detailed plan in writing. The plan will include before and after photographs. The before pictures will be included with the staging plan. Once the DIY client has completed the staging process, Catherine will return to take after photographs. These pictures will be provided to the DIY client for use in their marketing program. The after photographs also provide the client with a visual aid to help them maintain the staging while their house is on the market.

 

E-Staging - $195 (up to 6 rooms; additional rooms for a nominal fee)

This service includes a detailed staging plan based on client submitted photographs. Clients should submit 5 photographs per room which have been taken from all angles of the room. Clients will receive their detailed staging plan within 1 – 2 business days. 

 

E-Staging Level Two - $295 (up to 6 rooms; extra rooms for a nominal fee)

This service includes a detailed staging plan based on client submitted photographs. Clients should submit 5 photographs per room which have been taken from all angles of the room. Clients will receive their detailed staging plan within 1 – 2 business days. Level two e-staging includes Staging by Catherine’s marketing program. Clients will need to provide after photographs of all staged rooms for use in the marketing program.

Does home staging include cleaning my home?

Staged homes need to be clean; however we do not actually do the cleaning. Our time is better spent on the actual staging of your home. We will be happy to provide you with a list of cleaning services in your area, should you decide to bring in professional cleaners.

Can you stage my outdoor space?

Absolutely! Today's sophisticated buyer wants to see useable outdoor living space when they are shopping for a new home. Patios are considered by many to be an outdoor living room. Home buyers are looking for the most bang for their buck.

Why should I stage my front yard?

Your front yard is the first thing potential home buyers see. A well staged front yard offers the kind of curb appeal which invites buyers to get out of their car and enter your home.

Why should I stage my backyard/patio?

Serious home sellers stage their backyards and patios to offer additional living space to potential buyers. A well staged backyard enables potential home buyers to envision themselves living in your space. It offers them an opportunity to imagine what their life would be like in your home.

Who says that staging helps sell a house faster?

According to the latest statistics from RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) unoccupied staged homes spent 85% less time on the market before they were sold in 2008. Occupied staged homes spent 89% less time on market than un-staged homes in 2008.

Do realtors really want sellers to stage their homes?

Absolutely! Realtors want home sellers to do everything they can to help sell their house faster. It is the realtor's job to bring in potential buyers but it is the seller's job to make their home as appealing as possible to buyers.

Why do you take before and after pictures?

We use before and after pictures as part of our staging process. The "before" pictures allow us to study each room and come up with the best staging plan for your rooms. The "after" pictures have two main purposes. First, they are for you to use in your marketing campaign and second, they are a visual aid which will help you keep each room in its staged setting.

Should I paint my house?

That will depend on how long has it been since you last painted your house. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is necessary, but not always. Each home is unique and so is the staging plan created for you.

What do I do with my pets?

Your pet is a part of your home and your family. I would never suggest that you board your pet while your house is on the market. I do recommend keeping pet areas clean of debris and odor. I also recommend taking your pet with you during open house whenever possible, mainly for your pet's safety. A door can be accidently left open by visitors causing your pet can get out and become lost.

What if you don’t like my decorating, will I have to buy new furniture?

It is not for me to like or dislike your decor. Staging is more about featuring your home's best attributes and minimizing the flaws than it is about decorating styles. Staging works with your existing furnishings and accessories whenever possible. New arrangements and design groupings can do a lot during the staging process. Sometimes it is necessary to replace furnishings, mainly because the home seller has already moved out of the house.

How much does it cost to stage my home?

That all depends on the size of your home and the staging package you select.

Please click here for a list of services and fees.

Studies have shown that staged homes have nearly 200% return on your staging investment. That means staging pays for itself and then some.

Will you help me decorate my new home?

Absolutely! Our re-design service would be the ideal choice for your new home. We will work with your existing furnishings and your budget to create a warm and inviting environment for your new home. Many say that this is the best house warming present they can give to themselves. The re-design service also makes a great wedding gift!

What should I do with my extra furniture?

Clients who found it necessary to remove excess furniture during the staging process often chose to store items in a friend's or family member's garage, while others selected to rent a storage unit.

Can you help me find reputable contractors?

We work with many fine contractors; we would be delighted to refer them to you.

Do you paint my house while staging?

No, we are not painters. We would be delighted to refer you to reputable painters in your area.

How soon can you stage my home?

Usually within a week of when you contract with Staging by Catherine, however we can work with you if you are under a time crunch.

I don’t know which rooms to stage, can you help me?

Of course! It is our goal to stage as many rooms as possible during our time together. Remember first impressions cannot be undone, so you will definitely want to stage the very first room potential home buyers walk in to. Kitchens and bathrooms are also very important rooms to stage.

If I help during staging, do I get a discount?

No, it doesn't work that way. You are paying for a service based on a specific time frame. Clients who help during staging are rewarded by allowing us to get to as many rooms as possible during that contracted time frame. Often times, we are able to stage an additional room or two because clients have helped free up our time.

Does staging include home repairs?

No, home repairs need to be completed by a professional. Let us know if you need a referral; we work with highly reputable contractors.

What can I expect from staging?

You can expect to see your house transformed from a space you have lived in to a home that is ready for sale. Home staging is the process of preparing homes for sale. Through home staging we provide potential buyers with a positive impression of your house. Home staging accents your home’s best selling features, highlights room and floor space, and creates an environment where potential home buyers can envision themselves living in your house.

How do I keep my home staged if I’m still living in it?

You will be provided with photographs showing how your staged home should look as well as with a detailed staging plan in writing. These tools will enable you to keep your home looking staged while you continue to live in it.

What if I don’t want to pack away all of my collectibles?

At the end of the day, the final choice is yours. However, I would like to remind you that by packing away your collectibles you are preparing yourself for moving day and you are protecting your valued collections from loss and damage during open house days.