Top Ten Things to Ask a Home Staging Expert

Hiring a professional home staging company can make a huge difference when it comes to selling your home quickly and for top dollar. But not all stagers are created equal, so it's important to ask the right questions before choosing the right one for your needs. Here are the top ten things you should ask a home stager before making your decision.

1. Can I See Your Portfolio?

A portfolio is a visual representation of a home stager’s work and can give you a sense of their style and versatility. Ask to see photos of homes they’ve staged, paying attention to properties similar to yours in size and design. Look for variety and creativity—each home should feel tailored, not cookie-cutter.

Why it’s important: You want to make sure the stager can showcase your home in a way that appeals to buyers in your area.

2. What Is Your Experience with Homes Like Mine?

Experience matters, especially when it comes to staging homes in different neighborhoods, price points, and styles. Ask if the stager has worked with homes similar to yours, whether it's a cozy condo or a sprawling estate.

Why it’s important: A stager familiar with your type of home will have a better understanding of what buyers expect and how to highlight your home’s best features.

3. Do You Own Your Furniture or Rent It?

Some stagers own their own inventory of furniture, art, and accessories, while others rent pieces from furniture rental companies. Owning furniture allows for more flexibility and control, while renting may increase costs or limit design options.

Why it’s important: Understanding where the furniture comes from can help you gauge costs, timing, and the overall quality of the pieces that will be used in your home.

4. What is Included in Your Staging Package?

Not all staging companies offer the same services, so it’s important to ask what’s included. Will they just stage key rooms like the living room and master bedroom, or will they style the entire home? Also, ask if they provide additional services like photography or minor repairs.

Why it’s important: You’ll want to know what you’re getting for your investment and if it meets your expectations and budget.

5. How Long Does the Staging Process Take?

Timing is key when selling a home, and you’ll want to know how quickly the stager can transform your property. Ask how long the initial setup will take and whether they offer flexible timelines if you need to make a quick sale.

Why it’s important: You don’t want delays in staging to hold up your home’s listing or marketing process.

6. What Are Your Fees and What Do They Cover?

Pricing for home staging varies depending on the size of the property, the amount of furniture needed, and the length of time it’s staged. Be sure to ask for a clear breakdown of fees, including the costs for staging, delivery, setup, and removal.

Why it’s important: Knowing the full scope of costs upfront can help you budget appropriately and avoid any hidden fees.

7. How Long Will the Staging Remain in My Home?

Some stagers offer a set staging period, such as 30 or 60 days, while others may offer more flexible options. Ask how long the furniture and décor will remain in your home and what happens if your home doesn’t sell within that timeframe.

Why it’s important: Understanding the staging timeline can help you plan your sale and ensure that your home continues to show well until it’s sold.

8. How Do You Choose the Design Style for My Home?

It’s important to know how the stager will determine the overall design style and aesthetic for your home. Do they consider the home’s architecture and the target market? Will they incorporate any of your existing furniture or décor?

Why it’s important: A good stager will customize the design to appeal to the specific demographic that’s likely to buy your home, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

9. Do You Work With Real Estate Agents?

Many home stagers work closely with real estate agents to ensure that the staging aligns with the agent’s marketing strategy. Ask if they have experience collaborating with agents and how they will work with yours to maximize your home’s potential.

Why it’s important: Coordination between the stager and agent can lead to a more cohesive marketing strategy and better results.

10. Can You Provide References or Testimonials?

Finally, ask for references or testimonials from previous clients. A reputable stager should be able to provide feedback from homeowners and agents who were pleased with the staging and the results it achieved.

Why it’s important: Hearing from past clients gives you insight into the stager’s reliability, professionalism, and effectiveness in helping homes sell.