Ask a Stager: When Staging a Vacant House, Should You Consider Using Prop Furniture?

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Prop Furniture - WSJ

(Photo: Wall Street Journal)

According to this story in the Wall Street Journal, prop furniture is making a comeback for sellers staging homes in the hot residential real estate market. As any CandysDirt.com reader knows, expert staging advice can be the difference between just selling a home and profiting from your home. Still, could a cardboard settee really make the difference between “For Sale” and “Pending”?

So we asked Karen Eubank of Eubank Staging if faux furniture is a cost-effective way for owners staging vacant or unoccupied homes, and how they can maximize their staging budgets to make the most from their property. See what the expert designer had to say after the jump.

The look-but-don’t-sit prop furniture is not something I think will work in our market. I’ve seen it up close and personal and would never use it.

Most importantly, owners need have a realistic budget and time frame in mind. Remember bang for the buck is in the first 15 seconds upon entering the house. That generally means living, dining, and kitchen. Master bedrooms are also important. It’s always best to leave your furniture in the house if possible but if you simply cannot then there are some options.

– Borrow what you can from tasteful friends. Seriously, everyone has more furniture than they need and generally something fabulous in their garage.

– Consignment stores have great deals. Often when you do the math it’s cheaper to buy the living room basics from a consignment store than rent. Then you donate them and take the tax deduction.

– Get an inexpensive mattress from Salvation Army and create a headboard out of just about anything. You can find creative headboards on Houzz.com. Get some great bed linens and lamps from HomeGoods or Target.

– The best bet is to always call a professional stager because they can create a plan and give you great resources. They also have other stager pals with clients that are getting rid of furniture because they are moving and can score some terrific deals for you!

What tips do you give clients when it comes to staging an empty home?

Joanna England is the Executive Editor at CandysDirt.com and covers the North Texas housing market.

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