How to Have the Conversation About Home Staging with Your Clients: A Guide for Estate Agents

It’s important that their property maximises its sale chances from the launch day with a good marketing strategy. One powerful tool that has consistently proven to accelerate sales and boost property value is home staging. However, not every client will know what home staging is or see the value in this investment. As an estate agent, it’s crucial to approach the topic with empathy and a clear understanding of the benefits. As professional home stagers, we want to make this process as seamless as possible for you and your client. 

Many homeowners are not familiar with the term "home staging" or its potential impact. It’s about preparing a property to appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers by enhancing its aesthetic appeal. One of the most persuasive tools in your arsenal is the use of proven statistics and case studies of staged homes to powerfully convey the difference staging makes in transforming a space. We supply the estate agents we work with with a range of case studies across different property types and values. A really powerful strategy is to be able to share success stories from your own experience. Showing a direct correlation between staging and successful sales helps your clients to see the value in the investment.

Not all clients will be immediately receptive to the idea of staging.  Some may see it as an unnecessary expense, while others might feel attached to their current decor and reluctant to make changes. Just like you, we are trying to achieve the best sale for your client’s property, it’s about helping them to understand that their property is now a saleable asset and that any changes that need to be made are entirely focused on achieving the best sale. It’s important to  understand their motivations and goals. For example, if your client is looking to sell quickly due to a job relocation, then staging can reduce the time on the market or if they are more concerned with getting the best price, highlight how staging can increase the perceived of their home for buyers, often leading to higher offers.

One of the common hurdles can be the conversation around cost. Staging is an investment with a high return, often far outweighing the initial costs. As a ballpark figure, it can cost in the region of 1% of the guide price with anticipated offers from 5-15% higher than a non-staged home. We always suggest getting a more accurate quote from our team so that sellers can understand the investment required to achieve the desired outcome. We can usually provide case studies closely matched to your sellers home and situation from our 10 years experience in the business. 

Professional photography/videography is the norm in marketing high value homes today but unless the presentation of the home has been fully considered ahead of the photographer arriving then it can be a wasted effort and expense. The very best photographer can only photograph what they see in the house. Staging and photography go hand in hand and it’s important that clients understand that we are all working together to make sure the property is presented in the best possible light to the potential buyers.

We are the experts in our field and we work with home sellers every day in all types of properties from period homes to newly built homes. Once you have introduced staging to your clients, our team can do the rest. We will contact your client to arrange a free consultation to discuss their requirements. This means we can visit their home and see exactly what is needed to maximise their sale. We do of course keep you involved in all conversations that we have with sellers. Having a trusted professional as part of the whole process can help alleviate any concerns the client may have.

Even after presenting the benefits, some clients may still be hesitant. Be prepared to address common objections, such as concerns about the inconvenience of staging or doubts about its effectiveness. Reiterate the long-term benefits and how staging can ultimately lead to a smoother, quicker sale at a better price. 

The conversation about home staging can be delicate, but with the right approach, it can be one of the most valuable discussions you have with your clients. By educating them, addressing their concerns and demonstrating the tangible benefits of staging, you can help them see the value of this investment in making their home stand out in the market. Remember, your role is not just to sell a house but to help your clients achieve the best possible outcome—and home staging is a key tool in that process.

We are here to support you, please reach out if you have any questions, need some case studies or would like a quote – hello@lemonandlimeinteriors.co.uk 01332 987740