FAQ & Stats

Frequently Asked Questions

What is home staging?

Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale using a proven professional set of guidelines. Staging may include furniture arrangement and/or rental, addition or reduction of accessories, decluttering, depersonalizing, home repair, and even upgrading. The purpose of home staging is to set your home apart from all the rest. A well-staged home will sell faster and for more money.

I have a realtor. Why do I need a home stager?

Realtors and stagers work together. Realtors sell your house; we prepare your home to be sold. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® provides the latest research and statistics that affect the industry. Click here to get the stats and stay informed.

I like my style. Couldn't I technically do it myself?

Your style is your personal style. By staging your home, we depersonalize it. New buyers want to see your house as their new home - which is why we stage with the buyer in mind. Accredited Staging Professionals® or ASP's are trained in proper furniture placement, color trends, room design, decluttering and accessorizing to appeal to the widest range of buyers.

When should I begin the staging process?

It's best to stage your home before putting it on the market. You only get one chance to give a show-stopping performance. The first impression for potential buyers typically happens online, so great photos are key. House-hunters will then want to see specific updates and features during a walk-through. We can help them find their ideal home.

What differentiates you from other home stagers?

Our team at Moanna's Workroom are Accredited Staging Professionals®, or ASPs. The founder of home staging, Barb Schwarz, a realtor, coined the term, "home staging", to describe her method in preparing homes for sale. Because it was such a powerful tool, she went about educating other realtors and home owners. Barb developed a curriculum for the ASP® designation. It is respected nationally by realtors, because we were trained by the best. We are proud to be members of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals® (IAHSP) and Greater Chicago Illinois Regional Chapter®. Read more about the history of home staging.

What about senior adults who need additional assistance?

For older adults who need more support, or who might not have family members living close by, it becomes necessary to find a project management team. We work collaboratively with Elderwerks, a non-profit 501c3, which can be a first step to help seniors find appropriate housing options as they are looking to transition to more comfortable living. See Affiliates on our Services page to learn more.

My house is vacant and isn't selling. What should I do?

Call Moanna's Workroom! A vacant home looks sterile. Most buyers can’t visualize their stuff in your space. It can also send a message that you are desperate and willing to accept a lower offer. We use updated furnishings and accessories to define rooms for what they are. A beautifully staged home will make potential buyers feel ready and excited to move in.

Is home staging expensive?

Staging can fit anyone’s budget. The homeowner can participate in as much or as little as their budget allows. Staging services range from a one-time consultation to whole house furniture rental. In general, investment in home staging is much less expensive than the first price reduction on a home that's not selling. When put more resources in, you gain more yield.

Are you and your contractors insured?

Yes. Each ASP and contractor carries their own liability insurance because we are mindful that accidents can happen. We do everything we can to be respectful and careful in your home. You are our queen bee, and integrity is king.

What is Grand Finale Staging?

Grand Finale Staging™* is an opportunity for you to flip your own home, as opposed to a house flipper, who would buy your house for a lower price, update, and sell it for a significantly higher price. We manage specific renovation projects and updates to your home, in addition to staging, based on what today's home buyers are looking for.
​Grand Finale Staging is geared towards homeowners who have lived in their home for a long period of time. Along with your realtor, we establish a timeline and budget to ensure your home is ready to be listed immediately for sale. Most projects require approximately 6 weeks or less.
Our recommendations are solely for the purpose of helping you get the biggest bang for your buck. We are very strategic and mindful of your budget when identifying areas for improvement. Our goal is for potential buyers to want to make your "house" their "home". We understand our clients' sensitivities, and are empathetic when addressing and communicating these recommendations.
Click here to see what homeowners overlook, but buyers do not.

*This service is exclusive to Moanna's Workroom

Statistics

Based upon a survey conducted by The International Association of Home Staging Professionals® and StagedHomes.com® of over 1,000 homes (62% Vacant, 38% occupied) across the Continental US and Canada prepared for sale by Accredited Staging Professionals (ASP®) in today's market.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

email   buzzing@moannasworkroom.com     phone   847.899.0314

Grand Finale Staging® is a Federally Registered Trademark of Moanna's Workroom®
© 2017 MoannasWorkroom.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
Stage®, ASP®, ASPM®, StagedHomes.com®, IAHSP®, Accredited Staging Professional® are Federally Registered Trademarks of StagedHomes.com®
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