Photo: 3900 Dickens Drive, Plano, TX
When it comes to staging a home for sale, the guidance of a professional home stager is invaluable. As a real estate photographer, I firmly believe that each member of the marketing team should focus on their strengths. The realtor should lead the process, the stager should provide expert advice, and the photographer should capture photos that showcase the property. It's important to understand that a photographer is not a stager and should not be expected to perform staging duties.
The Role of a Real Estate Photographer
Part of the reason why photographers often find themselves caught in the middle of staging is because we are responsible for making the house look visually appealing. However, this does not mean we have the expertise to handle various aspects of staging. We may excel at capturing angles and showcasing the property, but we may not possess the knowledge of furniture layouts, accessory placement, or catering to the needs and wants of potential buyers. Therefore, it is crucial to leave the staging process to the professionals.
Handling an Unprepared Property
Photo: Prep My Home for Sale
Sometimes we come across properties that are not photo-ready. While it may be tempting to take photos as-is, it is important to have realistic expectations and open communication with clients. I recall a situation where the property was not tidy, and the realtor questioned why I didn't clean it up. However, it is the agent's responsibility to ensure that the seller is prepared for the photoshoot. As a photographer, I have a busy schedule and limited time, so I cannot afford to clean up a property. It is essential to establish clear expectations from the outset.
Setting Expectations
To avoid misunderstandings, it is crucial to communicate with agents about the photographer's role in the process. In my case, I provide my clients with a comprehensive email outlining my policies. When it comes to staging, I emphasize that all properties should be photo-ready upon my arrival. I highly recommend professional home staging consultations prior to photography to ensure the property looks its best. By setting expectations and maintaining clear communication, both photographers and agents can work together effectively.
Offering Help
While photographers should not be expected to perform full staging, there are ways to offer assistance. For example, I reached out to a local Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) chapter and created a room-by-room checklist for sellers. This helps them prepare their homes without requiring extensive time from the photographer. By sharing such resources and providing guidance, photographers can support clients without sacrificing their schedule.
Insights from a Home Stager
To gain further insights into the importance of staging, I spoke with Karen Otto from Home Star Staging. We discussed the role of professional home staging and how it differs from what we see on HGTV. Karen highlighted that staging is a marketing tool that prepares a home for sale. It can involve re-purposing existing furniture or bringing in additional pieces, depending on the situation. She emphasized that staging consultations offer the most cost-effective solution for sellers, providing a great return on investment.
Karen also highlighted the significance of collaboration among the real estate team. Each member, including the stager, photographer, and realtor, should handle their respective areas of expertise. Stagers possess insights that photographers may not relate to, such as the need for certain items to appear presentable in photos. It is unprofessional to place a photographer in a stager's position.
Avoiding Common Photography Mistakes
As a stager, Karen shared her pet peeves regarding real estate photos that could be avoided with the help of a good stager. These include cluttered countertops, unmade beds, gobs of messy cables, oversized furniture, and garish paint colors. Stagers ensure that the home is presented in the best possible light and help sellers understand the importance of photo-ready preparation.
Building Successful Relationships
To photographers wondering how to build successful relationships with stagers, Karen suggests sharing work online, following and engaging with stagers on social media platforms, and attending RESA meetings to network. Offering to teach workshops, being a guest speaker, or guest blogging are also great ways to establish credibility and expertise in the industry.
Treating Your Business as a Business
As small business owners, both photographers and stagers must remember to treat their businesses as such. Setting standards, policies, and procedures is essential for consistency and a positive client experience. By establishing expectations and delivering high-quality services, small business owners can prove their value and avoid devaluing themselves based on price alone.
The Power of Collaboration
Finally, Karen emphasizes that photographers and stagers should view each other as collaborators rather than competitors. By working together, we enhance the real estate industry and create better outcomes for buyers and sellers alike. Sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and focusing on education are key to continued growth and success.
In conclusion, staging a home for sale is a crucial step in the real estate process, and it is best left to professional stagers. As photographers, our role is to capture the beauty of the property through expertly taken photos. By understanding and respecting the boundaries of each team member's expertise, we can deliver exceptional results and create a positive experience for all involved.
