Frequently Asked Questions
Q - What is home staging?
A - Home Staging is the preparation of a home - arranging furniture and decor - with the intention of showcasing the home for sale.
Staging focuses on improving the property’s appeal so it captivates the largest number of potential buyers, with a flow on effect of selling quicker and for more money.
It is an effective marketing tool for Real Estate Agents and Sellers planning to sell a property.
Q - Why should I Stage my home?
A - Emotional Connections are what sell homes. Empty properties make that connection difficult, and few people are really able to visualise how and what sized furniture can fit in an empty room.
When home staging is done right it can add thousands to the final sale price. It allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living there and see the space for what it can be.
Vacant properties also make any flaws more visible to buyers, and raise question for buyers as to why this property is for sale. The result can often be lower than hoped for purchase offers.
Q - How much does home staging cost?
A - Each property is priced differently, because there are a lot of different variables we have to take into consideration. Size, location and access, just to name a few. Please get in touch with us for a detailed quote.
For indicative purposes:
Prices start from $1350+GST - for a standard 3 bedroom home, for a 4 week rental.
There is the option to extend your rental on a week by week basis once the 4 weeks is up for $150 + GST per week.
*TIP* – Did you know that home staging cost can be a tax write-off for your investment property? Have a chat with your accountant to see if you are eligible!
Q - What are your payment terms?
A - A deposit is due to secure your booking with the remainder of the balance due 7 days after install. Deposit price is dependent on whether it is a full or partial stage, and will be outlined in your quote.
Q - I got a cheaper quote elsewhere…
A - That’s fantastic, it’s always a great idea to get multiple quotes as it keeps us honest. But please, make sure you are comparing apples with apples.
Do your research – have a look at the quality, finishes and the amount of furniture and accessories used, there is a reason some are cheaper.
We pride ourselves on offering quality finishes and products so your house is then associated with a higher cost & higher value!
Q - What if my house sells early, do I get a refund?
A - Woohoo, congratulations! Pop the champagne!
This always feels like a huge compliment to our team as it means we must of done our job well!!
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds in the case of a house selling early and the rental period being shorter.
The majority of the cost that you paid at the start is not for furniture hire itself, but for our styling service. Expenses like insurance, delivery and styling hours stay the same, regardless of the timeframe your house sells within.
But we are absolutely stoked for you! Please let us know when it goes unconditional, so we can organise a time & date for collection.
Q - Can I use some of my own furniture?
A - Yes you can, this is what we call a “Partial Staging”.
One of our stylists will review your existing furniture & accessories and identify which may be suitable to integrate with our own furniture and decor, for the style and feel we are going for; to then attract the maximum number of buyers.
However we do believe that in most situations, having an empty room/house to style has the most valuable impact.
Q - How do you choose furniture for a property?
A - We make selections based on availability from our large collection of furniture & styling accessories. We then pull together a cohesive design that we believe will best suit your property.
Q - What is included in the Miss Stage package?
A - All furniture (beds, couches, tables, chairs etc.) and decor (artwork, rugs, cushions, throws, linen, plants etc.). The only items that are not included are whiteware such as a fridge/freezer or washing machine/dryer.
Outdoor furniture can be hired for an additional cost.
Q - How far in advance do I need to book?
A - The sooner the better so that we can make sure we have the most appropriate furniture for your property. The shortest time frame is generally a week's notice but quite often we can be booked a few weeks in advance.
Q - What happens during an install?
A - Our team will show up with everything we need. Firstly we will bring in all the furniture including art and decor, and then we work our magic and put it all together. We often steam beds and vacuum if needed at the end.
Typically we prefer to install our furniture at least a day prior to the photos being taken.
Towards the end of your campaign we will be in contact to arrange a suitable date for removal.
Q - Do I need to be there?
A - No, you do not need to be there. In fact, we prefer to work “without supervision” so you can be wowed when you come back and see the difference we have made to your home. Seeing it then through the eyes of a potential buyer.
Q - What if I don’t like the chosen style or something is not to my taste?
A - We would never leave a job unless we are 100% happy with the results. But in the off chance (and this doesn’t happen very often) that you are unhappy with anything, we will work with you to make sure that you love it as much as we do!
Quite often people mistake ‘Home Staging’ for ‘Interior Design’. Styling a property for sale is all about making the home appealing to as broad a market as possible, whereas Interior Design reflects a homeowner’s personal taste & lifestyle needs.
Therefore, most issues are resolved with a friendly conversation where we explain why we did what we did, but please (and we could not stress this enough) – always feel comfortable to reach out if you have any concerns.
Q - Should I get my house cleaned BEFORE or AFTER?
A - Before!!
We are the final piece of the puzzle, so any major cleaning or repair jobs should be done before we come in to stage your property. When we’re done, we make sure to leave your home looking tip-top and ready for photography!
Q - What areas do you work in?
A - Predominantly Invercargill, Winton, Gore and Riverton, however we are not afraid of a good roady and are willing to travel most places in the Southland & Queenstown-Lakes Districts.
Q - What types of properties do you Stage?
A - We work with a diverse range of properties. Residential, Rural, Lifestyle, Flats & Apartments. We also work with Show Homes and Developments, basically if you have an empty space you want showcased beautifully look no further than Miss Stage!
Q - What happens if you damage my property?
A - We are super careful moving items into and out of your property. On the very odd occasion an accident happens, we have public liability cover.
Q - What if I accidentally damage something?
A - Please let us know as soon as you can, either by a phone call or an email. It is your (the homeowner’s) responsibility to return all items in good order. Depending on the type of damage it is, we may have to pass the repair costs onto you.
Q - What if I have pets?
A - We love pets! But unfortunately, they can cause some serious damage. Especially dogs and cats, who decide to mark their territory or sharpen their claws on our lovely bedding and furniture! You get the idea!!
Please, because of this, we ask you to be cautious and where possible keep all animals out of reach of our furniture, as it is your responsibility to return all furnishings and other staging items in the same pristine condition as they were staged with. Failure to do so will incur repair or replacement cost.
Q - Why should I choose Miss Stage over anyone else?
A - Aside from being the leading home staging company in Southland with a fabulous team, we understand that a beautifully presented property will have a lasting impression on all potential buyers, will drive sales and the speed at which your property is sold. We are experienced and passionate, and will always ensure everyone is happy with the service we provide from Real Estate Agents to Sellers and Buyers.
Q - I’m wanting to sell my house privately, what can you do to help me?
A - Alongside staging your home we have access to a fabulous photographer who we can arrange to come in and take professional photos for you to use for your online listing.
Q - How much furniture and decor do you have to choose from?
A - We currently have 22 house lots of furniture and decor so we can be sure to have something to suit your property.