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The Art and Science of "Staging"

The Home Improvement Section of the Fall 2006 edition
Of the Pelham Weekly, Pelham New York
Oct 27, 2006

For years realtors have coached homeowners on preparing their house for resale - perhaps a coat of paint here or there, getting rid of clutter, that kind of thing. But recently, the business of professionally preparing a house to show has become much more systematized. The term "staging" has become almost routine in real estate jargon, especially on the West Coast where it got its start. The experts in this field are called "stagers."

Staging is all about preparing a house for sale, but it has become more than simply painting and redecorating. A 'Pelham interior decorator' who is a home "stager," explained that "it's all about making a first impression - you get only one chance to do that." "Curb appeal is important. It gets the buyer in the door, but within two minutes, the buyers form either a favorable or unfavorable impression."

Steve Circelli of LaCasa and more added "it's more about finding the optimum use of space in a house and finding a focal point for each room. The obvious steps, such as removing knick-knacks and family photos are just a beginning in the staging process".

Steve Circelli, who is based in Larchmont, has been active in Pelham home sales and usually spends 2-3 hours with a client to understand the flow of traffic and use of space. And then he might recommend realigning the furniture, possibly removing or temporarily adding some furniture to maximize a room's appeal. Steve is an accredited staging professional (ASP), which involved special training and certification.

Another Pelham professional active in this field is offering 'her' services for about six years. She has a lengthy list of common sense tips - neutralize, make repairs, accentuate architecture, clean and lighten up -- but she emphasizes that a designer's trained eye can more quickly spot small fixes a homeowner would overlook. After all, it's hard for an owner to be objective when clearing away old family photos and memorabilia. But to prospective buyers, these can a major distraction. Stagers, such as 'she', can facilitate repairs, but don't actually perform the work.

In this high tech age of searching the internet for real estate, the importance of attractive photos is critical. Staging is merely part of that process to produce the most eye-catching visuals. Studies have proven that a properly staged house will get more inquiries, in a shorter time, and will sell more quickly, often at above the asking price.

Recently, Steve Circelli staged a house in Pelham that got four bids the first day, one above the asking price.

Another Pelhamite draws on his theatrical design background for the ideas he has provided several local homeowners. When not teaching or lighting a Broadway show, 'he' guides Pelham clients through the process of "staging" their house for sale, often by "creating a fantasy through the use of theatrical props."

"Stagers" are often recommended by a realtor, but work directly for the homeowner on a fee basis. As the practice takes hold, more professionals agree that a good "stager" helps move the property more quickly - and at a better price.

Steve Circelli, can be reached at LaCasa and more, in Larchmont, 917 445-9379.

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