We purchased a new home and will have about a month to move into from our current home. I'm debating having a stager come in to do the house. How do you pick one? I want it to still be somewhat my style (I would say Pottery Barn type style - simple, uncluttered). Do I have a say in that kind of stuff or should I just get the heck out of the way? Also, what should I expect to pay? Our house is a ranch style (1600 sq. ft. w/3 bedrooms and a finished basement approx. 900 sq. ft.). I like to feel I could stage it myself, but sometimes I get stuck in layout with what I've already done and need some fresh ideas.
Staging is setting up a house to appeal to the most potential purchasers. It sounds like you want to set up your new house for your use. You want an interior designer, not a stager. Try posting this in the design section farther down the message board page.
Rereading your post, I think you may be talking about the house you're selling. I'd put much more value in the opinion of your realtor than anyone here who is unfamiliar with your house and local market.
Christy, Several members can offer wonderful advice about what you can do to prepare your home.
A couple of routes you can go - post interior photos of the house you want staged to sell on the boards and our members will be more than happy to give you many many suggestions (more than you want or need) to sift through, pick and choose the ones that you think will work for you and leave behind the rest. This will allow you to be your own stager.
Talk to your listing agent about staging. Many are not fans of it because they think it is a waste of meny because they are wonderful listing agents and can sell anything.
There is a website where you can go find stagers in different parts of the country. Look for your area pick several and interview them to find someone you feel comfortable with. If none are listed for your area interview several interior decorators.
If you really want to go with a stager they offer different levels of service. The cheapest - One time consultation. They will come in walk through your house with you and discuss what you have and what they think you should do.
Next - Let them work with what you have. Leave as much furniture and accessories behind as you can, and she will arrange it to be the best presentation of the rooms for potential buyers.
Last and most expensive - Blank slate. Empty house and she brings in rental items. Great if selling an expensive property but costly for a more moderately priced home.
