There’s a tool in the home staging industry, and in some regions it has met with growing enthusiasm. However, the more conscientious business owners are asking questions about the application of imitation furniture in staging homes. Is it cheaper? Is it practical? How effective is it?
RESA member Kelly Peletier, Owner of Luxe Property Staging shares her take on Cardboard VS. Real Furniture. Is cardboard furniture better than real furniture? Is it just as good?
Stagers using these cardboard fittings find them valuable when preparing lower end properties. Yet there are reports of million dollar homes selling despite using the dull and boxy fillers.
The staging professionals using this lightweight pseudo-furniture attest the product is compact, portable, and easy to move. Fake sofas, chairs, and book cases, will effectively express, for the potential buyer, how the available space may be used. The practicality of these props is evident. Yet it’s use is short sighted. Luxe Property Staging urges our industry to use discretion in implementing such items.
When a house is staged, priced, marketed, and shown correctly you have a greater chance of selling with multiple offers, in a timely fashion, and at better than the asking price. With this approach and proven investment, we believe in offering the REAL DEAL. Even those owning stock furniture may supplement what they have by visiting the affordable rental companies. Usually presenting varied lines of quality goods, they allow the stager to work within any budget.
Buyers have high expectations, and your 1st impression could be your last if you fail to meet them. Using cardboard furniture may be perceived as trickery or cheap creating a negative feel early in the showing. And at the very least lessens the comfort of the prospect. “See how beautifully we can use this space! Oh no, please don’t sit there.” A home you can’t sit in isn’t likely to sell well.
“Your client’s home is real. Their dreams are real. And the furniture should be real.”
For more, visit Kelly’s blog at LUXE Property Staging.
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