I would never hire a "home stager". It seems to me you would have to be seriously decoratively challenged to do so!

No offense to those that are decoratively challenged, it just seems to be a huge waste of money.

When you want to impress someone, whether it is a job interview or a first date, you'll spend some time in front of a mirror and put on a clean shirt.  Why would it be much different when you're selling your home? The small difference is you're paying for the service, but you'll likely get it back in spades.  

Well, we benefitted from a house that was not staged. Sold for less than asking in a hot market. Thank you bad real estate who listed the property. Some people could really benefit from it. I don't know that I would ever need one, would like to think that I can make a space look nice on my own. But there are some who could really use one, and would get the money back tenfold.

Not a hope in Hades that this service will ever be commissioned by my wallet.  If I could have my home staged, or buy a gorgeous statue, winter break in brazil, Root Dental Surgury incl. crown, personal trainer, new laptop, fabulous housewarming party,  killer garden, or $1000 turn of the century Dresser I saw at Mrs. Huzienga's, Id have to pick any of the latter.  Lets be honest, if you are home staging chances are you have money to burn, or no ambition.  Chances are you already have everything you want and need.  If you do, I say take the stage you moneymaker! If not,  you would never consider such a lackadaisical luxury.

Such an expense and a waste of money that I personally cannot fathom, neither as the potential buyer nor as the seller.  

We also benefited from a home the was not staged.  I had a hard time seeing the potential, but my husband didn't.  Now we have the home of our dreams without the huge hole in our poscket.  Stagers are great when you want a quick sale, but I would rather take some tips from the shows on HGTV and do it myself.

As a buyer, a staged home screams overpriced to me.  I can't believe that people have been duped into spending extra for a home that has nice furniture placement etc. And a staged home can still be a "rotten" one with problems that need professional inspection.  As for the folks who spend the money to stage...I wonder if they ever change their minds about selling after the fact.

I've never hired one, but if I was in the thick of selling (and therefore likely buying) and had a line on a stager who was talented and came recommended, I would certainly hire her/him. Sometimes an editor makes all the difference.

Plus, having access to other furniture would be helpful. I have two chairs that my husband loves, I hate, and will not be replaced anytime soon. My living room would look so much better if a stager came in and replaced them.

I have owned three homes and have sold two on my own.  (The latter wihtin a period of three days.)  For some circumstances a Home Stager may be the answer if the property is failing to sale, otherwise I feel editing spaces yourself can be just as effective. (Renting a Pod or putting some furniture in storage is  a great asset and much cheaper than a Home Stager.)  Unfortunately though you will always find a buyer that cannot see pass the existing furniture/accessories and see  the potential of the home itself.  Reason when listing ensure to include as much information about it and include  the caption "serious buyers only".    

Not a chance!  These days, simple sells.  I think a staged home gives off a fancy, and perhaps overpriced vibe causing buyers to pass and continue  searching.  Plus, why dish out money when we have so little of it? In these tough times, it pays to be frugal!.  

Most people who say that they could sell without a stager have never worked with one...I've been in the business for 7 years and some of my clients are skeptical until they see what we can do. Alot of my clients end up falling in love with their home that they are selling and suggest they may not want to move now.

The suggestions we make are cost effective and net a much greater monetary return then what is invested in the service.

I always suggest a consultation for my clients first so if they want to do some or all of the work first they can. Just having some direction to get started  is invaluable to most of my clients. We also provide referrals to trust worthy trades and other services that are need when preparing to sell.

Some Realtors are seeing the value of staging so much that they are willing to cover a portion of the cost...since they know that a place that looks good will sell faster and for more money...benefitting both themselves and their clients.

Staging services may not be for everyone, but for people who are strapped for time or feel overwhelmed when planning to sell, a staging service can be a real asset.

The advice that you receive on HGTV is all you need. I have gone to the expense of having two home stagers come in and guide me on furniture placement etc. Our house is still on the market after 3 years and two home stagers. We are not overpriced either. We are within the Realtors suggested listing price. No I do not believe in home stagers. Paint your house, make sure it is very clean both in and outside. The Realtor should do the rest.

When selling your home, there is a good chance that your Realtor will talk to you about staging to see if it is something you'd be interested in..

Realtors know the market and what helps sell a house better than anyone else. If your trusting a Realtor to sell your home.. wouldn't you follow their advice as to what they think will help the home sell faster and for top dollar?

As a Stager myself, I have numerous realtor clients who cover ALL of the costs of staging for all of their listings. Given that about 15% of homes don't need any staging at all. Stagers are trained to adapt the perspective potential buyers. Every home that I have staged has sold within 2 weeks of staging. The trick is finding a Stager who is qualified.. the staging industry is not regulated so becareful who you hire; check references, ask to see their portfolio and testimonials.

If you've had your home staged than you can be confident that you did everything you can to ensure your home sells!

P.S. Not all home staging is expensive!! sure rentals are expensive but there are companies that specialize in owner-occupied homes. There isn't any reason why you can't have your home staged for $300-$500 including consultation. Bigger companies can offer more affordable pricing.. shop around

As a Stager I find it interesting that those who think staging is a waste of money are on a 'design website'. To you it would not be a benifit because you have an idea of what to do to stage a home. However the majority of sellers do not have a keen eye and feel overwhelmed. Staging is not for everyone but those who use it rave about it in my experience.

Why not get it for free.  There are numerous realtors who are also acredited stagers.  As part of the realtor commission, many throw in their staging services free.  The faster your house sells the quicker the get a paycheck.  And if they are part of a larger company that has a set fee for all their agents, you know they are not jacking up the commission to hide a hidden charge for staging.