Should Home Stagers Offer Pay-at-Close?

Staging helps sell homes faster and for more profit, but many sellers hesitate due to the upfront cost. Pay-at-close options can ease this objection, but they can pose risks for home stagers who may not get paid if a sale doesn’t occur.

Fortunately, a new pay-at-close lending program created specifically for home stagers enables upfront payment to the stager, while sellers defer payment until the home sells. This eliminates cash-flow as a barrier and increases bookings for stagers.¹

The Risks of Pay-at-Close for Home Stagers

Some home staging companies have chosen to offer pay-at-close programs themselves, as an in-house option. In this scenario, stagers assume all the risk of the house not selling. Also, it requires the stager to front the costs of staging and can leave them without the necessary cash-flow to operate and invest in their business. Our recommendation to home stagers is to not try to start a lending company as well as a staging company!

In our own staging business, we don’t even put a staging project on our calendar until our clients sign our contract and we have received payment for the first month, plus our delivery, installation and pick-up fee.

Even with a solid home staging contract, the process of collecting unpaid invoices can be time-consuming and frustrating. Getting paid upfront ensures stagers avoid these headaches and focus on growing their business.

The best, risk-free, option for stagers is to use a 3rd party program, like Staging Studio Advantage, to offer your clients the ability to pay at close.

How Home Staging Loans Work

Staging Studio partnered with Notable Finance to launch Staging Studio Advantage, a lending program that allows sellers to pay at close while stagers get paid upfront.²

Here's how the pay-at-close loans work:

• Loan Amount: Up to $50,000 for staging, painting, carpet, or other pre-sale improvements.³
• Eligibility: U.S. homeowners listing properties for $6M or less.⁴
• Approval: Based on home equity and good credit – soft credit check only, so there is no impact on your client's credit score until repayment is due!
• Terms: Funds must be used within 60 days and repaid at closing or within 12 months.
• Interest Rates: 8.99%–16.99%, lower than most credit cards.
• No Liens: Loans are unsecured, with repayment handled through escrow or other simple methods.

How to Leverage Pay-at-Close in Your Staging Business

Offering pay-at-close can remove financial stress for clients, boost bookings, and grow your business.

Let homeowners and real estate agents know about this option during consultations or in your home staging proposal. Partner with agents to get their sellers on board; agents love solutions that make them look like the hero to their clients!

With Staging Studio Advantage's pay-at-close loans, you’re offering a flexible solution that drives results for your clients and your business.

Ready to use Staging Studio Advantage with your clients? Join Staging Studio's Cru coaching program for exclusive access to this lending program, live coaching sessions, vendor and software discounts, and a supportive community of stagers.

¹ Results may vary. Staging Studio and Notable Finance, LLC do not guarantee or warranty any results.

² Subject to the terms and conditions of the Notable Finance, LLC loan agreement and notablefi.com/terms. Staging Studio is not providing loans as part of the Staging Studio Advantage. Staging Studio Advantage loans are provided by Notable Finance, LLC, NMLS# 1824748. For all Borrowers in California: Loans are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license. For all Borrowers in Virginia: Notable Finance, LLC is licensed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, CFI-243. Loan eligibility is not guaranteed and all loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting by Notable. Rules and exclusions apply.

³ Interest and fees apply. Loan funds, interest and fees are due upon loan acceleration, twelve months after origination, client’s termination of the listing agreement, or the date on which Notable otherwise suspends the loan for any reasons stated in the loan agreement, whichever occurs sooner. Subject to the terms and conditions of the loan agreement with Notable Finance, LLC.

⁴ Notable reserves the right to change underwriting and eligibility criteria at any time without notice.