An Interview with a Stager

I know that a few of my fellow bloggers have done post on staging in the past. But I thought it would be great to post a mini-interview with a successful stager. Cynthia Pastor, of Composition Staging, has taken time out of her hectic schedule to sit down and speak with me about the stagging industry and all that it entails. Cynthia has been staging for five years and is an accredited staging professional. Let’s see what she has to say about her industry and its effect on the real estate market.

 A sample of Cynthia’s work

Redfin: Can you define stagging for me? Cynthia Pastor: Staging is both an art and a science. It creates an experience that allows the buyer to really feel what it would be like to live there. Professional staging uses proven concepts where families can see themselves in the home. The professional stager takes the burden off of the realtor by creating a visual that would not have otherwise been there.

Redfin: What are the benefits of having your house staged? Cynthia Pastor: To create a lasting sensory impression that will send buyers back to your home. In our current real estate situation there is a lot of inventory out there and it is a buyer’s market, which allows people more time to make a decision. Staging leaves more of a lasting impression. Also, the buyers are limited by what they first see, staging refines the space the realtor has to work with and makes it more visually appealing.

Redfin: What does it cost to have your house staged? Cynthia Pastor: An average cost for staging is a one dollar per square foot. If the client has their own furniture that is in good shape, that makes the process easier and cheaper.

 Redfin: What are the differences you have seen between people that have their houses staged and those that don’t? Cynthia Pastor: The visual appeal and it creates an emotional sense. We also do a lot of de-cluttering, which can make the space seem larger that what it actually is. I go by what I call the three F’s, which are floor plan, functionality and flow. In addition, stagers also address the front of the house as well, exterior work is done because it is the first thing that people see before they walk in.

Redfin: Do you think that staging is something that will continue even when the market rebounds? Cynthia Pastor: Yes absolutely, I think the public’s awareness of staging from channels like Home & Garden Network has increased the visibility of my field. Plus, the overall investment of staging compared to what you actually get out of it makes it all worth it. The good thing about staging is that you can always improve upon the condition of a home. It is an unfixed variable unlike the location of a house. When it comes to staging you can mix it up to fit whatever particular need is necessary.