HOME STAGING FOR REALTORS
Key Associates
By: Allison Taylor and Lauren Wiles
A few weeks ago we mentioned the new presentation that we've been working on specifically for Realtors on Home Staging. At Key Associates, we have repeatedly witnessed the benefits that Realtors and their clients experience when investing in Home Staging prior to listing. As Staging Professionals, our goal is to maximize buying potential while minimizing market time, and we have a proven track record in doing so. We know that time is of the essence, and our goal is to establish long-term partnerships with Realtors to increase efficiency, save valuable time, and consistently provide desirable results. It is common knowledge that a buyer's mind is generally made up in the first few minutes of viewing a property, and it is our job to make those minutes and that first impression count. Our Home Staging professionals will work to appeal to the highest number of buyers through maximizing the positives, minimizing the negatives, neutralizing spaces, showing function, and much more.
Our successful staging results in increased buying potential, decreased market times, and greater profits. Along with decreased market time as noted by ASP (Association of Staging Professionals) statistics, the average professionally staged home sells in 29 days whereas a home that has not been staged averages 149 days on the market.
Home Staging should not be used as an afterthought, at the seller's suggestion, or as a last resort - it should be proactive to take advantage of the momentum that it creates. Key Associates utilizes market-specific staging; we take into account whether a listing is in a family neighborhood, is a downtown loft, or otherwise would benefit from a unique approach. For vacant homes, Key Associates maintains a warehouse and stages in one of two ways. Our most common method is through the monthly rental of furnishings. However, we will also stage on a budget for those who prefer to own the furnishings. Except for model homes, we do not believe in filling a vacant home. We are mindful or our client's budget and only fully stage areas of importance. Knowing what is needed and what is not is the "Key" (pun intended) to our success.
For occupied homes, we offer two types of evaluations: an economical Walk-Through Consultation or a Written Staging Evaluation. We provide hands-on staging and de-cluttering either by the hour or through specials such as our One Day Intensive Staging Special. If desired, we can even arrange to divest our clients' unwanted items.
As a partner of Key Associates, Realtors are able to offer their clients an additional service that delivers faster and more profitable results. Collaborations increase professionalism and staging allows Realtors to maximize listing prices - an added benefit to both the Realtor and their client. Rick Yelverton, a Realtor in the Kenmure community in Flat Rock, North Carolina, saw results when we furnished a vacant home that had been on the market for approximately 15 months. Our truck delivered furnishings on September 8th and we picked up the furnishings on October 9th - just before the home closed on October 12th. Now, that's NOT just under contract, that's sold and CLOSED in 5 weeks.
Current research (according to the National Association of Realtors - NAR) suggests Realtors are in a transition, one that is pushing the field in a new direction. The NAR suggest a collaborative approach that supports specialist roles; enhancing the collective knowledge and skill set of the individual. Lue Kirchner, our executive director and lead designer is a former Realtor who has successfully bought, renovated, & sold properties for profit since the 1980’s. The above, combined with our staff’s professional training, certifications, and industry partnerships allow us to offer a standard of service that sets the bar in staging. Partnering our skills as Professional Stagers with your real estate expertise is a clear approach to intertwine creativity and marketing strategy.
Key Associates is fully insured and all employees are bonded. We also maintain several professional memberships and certifications.
We would love to answer any questions about how we can partner with our local Realtors to help meet the challenges of today's market by selling real estate more quickly and profitably. Please contact us today for more information on how we can collaborate our resources.
