The Bitter Pill of Rejection, Part 2: Objections to Your Staging Recommendations

When we offer our opinion, it is just that -- an opinion. When we can back it up with staging design principles and strategies, it is elevated to expert advice. Giving the 'why' behind our staging recommendations demonstrates that we are credible experts, and our clients are more likely to get on board with what we suggest.

[In case you missed it: Your script for overcoming objections to staging]

Here's a great example: Let's say there is an enormous armoire that you know should be moved to storage. Naturally, you are likely to get some resistance because that is a big ask. It is not easily done.

Explain to the homeowner that it is consuming 15 sq. ft. of floor space. Let's say the home is priced around $200/sq. ft. - That is $3000 in perceived value that the buyer is not seeing. Betcha that beast of furniture gets moved!

You may tell your client that their art is hung too high (one of the common mistakes we see). Again, that sounds like an opinion. Instead, you can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise by telling them that the center of the art should be 62" above the floor. Instant cred.