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Home Staging Consultation – How To Conduct Your First Onsite Consultation

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Almost weekly I get an email from a reader asking me how to handle their first home staging consultation. What it was like, what to do, what did it entail. So, I decided to just write a post about and cover any extra details / questions in my newsletter.  I was also asked to do a YouTube video about it and I think that is a great idea, so I will!  In the mean time, I wish I could say I remember my very first home staging consultation, but it is a blur now. I can say I remember the the overall “first” experiences so I thought I could help you all out with those tips.
How to build your home staging business and other home staging tips at www.homewithkek.com #homestaging #staging tips

Home Staging Consultation – How To Consult Your First Onsite Consultation

You must always remember that you are in the business of first impressions. Literally, staging a property is creating a killer first impression, so, make sure you always also show your best first impresssion. My number one tip…

1 – Always be 5 minutes early

For the last 8 years I always arrive 10-15 minutes early, I parole the neighborhood to get an idea of what is on the market, what the other homes look like, feel of the hood, and are they fixer uppers, more established new build constructions, what is happening around the clients home. Then, I usually pull up in front of the home, take my exterior photos and knock on the door ALWAYS 5 to 1 minute before scheduled appointment time. Why? Because we are in the business of first impressions, NEVER be late, always be early/right on time.

2 – Go in walking the walk. As if it isn’t your first one

Don’t tell them it is your first consult. Be prepared, be strong and act like you have done it before. (If it is your first). So, what do I bring with me to be prepared
  • My iPhone to take all my “before” photos. I take 2 -3 photos of every room from different angles. Then I take 3-10 photos of every room’s issue. Marks on the walls, light fixtures that need to be changed, cracks on ceilings, bedding that needs to be swapped out, a cluttered corner, gallery walls that are to personal….The list is endless, I take photos of everything so I can go back and review it offsite for the report. On average, I have close to 60-100 photos of each property. Some times, when properties are in great condition, I might not have that many photos but I will still have 2-3 photos of the room.
  • I use to have a pad of paper and pencil to take notes. I finally upgraded to an iPad Pro and love it. Either way, you need something to take a couple notes. More importantly, I use the iPad to take floor plans. I do not take floor plans of everyone room, I take floor plans of the spaces I know need a new layout i.e. sofa needs to move to opposite wall and new side chairs and side table need to be brought in
  • Tape measure
  • Paint sample pack
  • Business cards (before you leave you hand over a couple cards and let them know you are available for them, this is not the end of your relationship. You are available if they have any specific questions or further assistance)

3 – You are a business now and refer to yourself as “we”

Enough said

4 – Have A Sit Down Firsti

Before we start our walk-through consultation I always ask if we could sit down and go over a few things. I lead with a few questions and naturally they will open up with more information. Hence, why you need to take notes. Questions I ask:
  • When is your goal list date? (You need this to create a timeline for them in the report) working backwards from their end date
  • Any pets
  • How many and who are the occupants, such as, kids? Teens? College kids coming home when you hit the market? Etc
  • Are there major areas of concern (i.e. roof repairs?)
  • What is your budget for “staging,” and that includes, painters / cleaners / window washers / and yes, rental furniture if necessary from you

5 – Your Walk-Through

Once you are ready to start, after introductions, and asking key questions you are ready to begin.
I always say, we will start outside and work our way back in, as if we are the buyers.  Start at the front door step and then work your way in room to room. Opening every door / closet. I look up / down every where. I tell them I am the buyer. I am looking for flaws. Trust me, you will find them and don’t be scared to say it. The more you provide, the better the consult experience they will have. They will feel it was worth every penny.
If you have any additional specific questions, please feel free to reach out. AND yes, I provide a staging report that they receive within 2-3 business days. I will share the details on that next week.

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Sharing my top 5 tips on how to conduct a home staging consultation and what you need to bring with you. for more go to www.homewithkeki.com #homestaging #stagedhomes

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Comments

  1. Gladys Parker says

    Wow, it takes quite a bit of work and planning to be in the real estate business. If the picture above was my house I sure wouldn’t be selling it. However, that is the reason for the staging and you hit the mark on that one.

  2. Geraline Batarra says

    Thanks for this great advise for doing ocular inspection will definitely do this on my next onsite survey.

  3. Vritika says

    That’s a great list of home inspecting tips ever!! Will definitely keep those in mind during my visit next week!!

  4. Ron Leyba says

    Awesome tips. So useful and informative. For sure many will find this very helpful.

  5. Sommer says

    Hi there 🙂 After reading your post I was wondering if you utilize video in your consultations? Or a combination of video and still photos? If not, what have you found makes still photos more effective than video? Thanks in advance!