When we have to think about "convincing" our clients of something, we've already lost!

the only three words needed are:  "the eye buys".... make those eyes want it...

Tori Toth has staging videos that she provides. Some sellers just don't get the value of it unfortunately.

RM has produced videos for us that I have on my site but then you can never 'force' the seller to watch them.

I offer to split the price of professional staging. That helps overcome one big objection.

Nichol Sandoval - the convincing is not needed. Mostly it's that trust in you as an agent that counts.

If they believe that what you are doing is in their best interest, they should.

Not to forget about the cost factor!

While I whole heartedly agree with Praful Thakkar Patricia Kennedy & Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington, I know what you mean, I just went through this over the summer. FEEDBACK from every showing is how I convinced my seller. The condo was immaculate, a great building and location; 30+ showings no offer and it was not price. It was utter confusion on how to furnish the open loft-style floor plan. We staged it and I told him if the staging doesn't generate an offer, I'll eat the cost...that's how convinced I am. BOOM! Showings, offers, SOLD!

I like Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington 's approach.

It's a suggestion - some get it, some don't.   

It is part of my listing presentation.

I take them and show them their competition

Nichol,

I agree with Susan Emo convincing is the first sign of trouble.  Either they trust you and your expertize or they don't.  A

I have to agree with Susan Emo. By the same token, I offer clients who need staging a complimentary 2-hour appointment with my stager. No one turns down a freebie and it leads to further steps, I've found. You can find all sorts of info and resources about staging here in the Rain and on-line and on Pinterest.

You may want to reach out to Kathy Streib  for her thoughts ... and I recommend reading her blogs too!

Data showing the price increase due to staging. In our area many realtors throws in (yes for free) to get listing. As such they get into staging business to keep the cost down.

If a seller has an odd layout, and is vacant, buyers have a difficult time imagining their furniture.

On my website I have an example text for agents to use when suggesting staging. It should be done at listing appointment, matter of factly, as a marketing strategy that they use for all their listings because if it's success.

The agent must believe in the service and consider it a valuable marketing tool before they can successfully convince sellers to do it.

Talk to Kathy Streib  and Tori Toth and Sharon Tara 

I am with Susan Emo on this. I also agree with Barbara Todaro that the eyes buy.  Some sellers get it and some don't ... like Michael Jacobs said ... and I do not attempt to force or convince a seller. I know it is in their best interests. I can lead but I cannot make them drink.

I don't convenice them.  I show them houses that are staged (in photos) and houses that aren't adk them what would they choose to see for X $.  They convenice themselves.

I have a before and after piece of staging in my folder to give them

There is some great information here from stagers with beautiful examples. I would also show some listings that have been staged. And photos of their house as it looks now on the computer screen as a buyer could also help

We mention it, but do not push it.

If it does not "pop", show the competition!

I had to work and missed a day but I see that this suggestion worked out for you Nichol. Excellent!

If the home is clean that works for me.  To many staged homes are like museums and many of my clients don't like them

Barbara Todaro says it like it is" the eye buys!!

I don't suggest staging.  It is another cost that comes off their bottom line.  I know some believe in it and promote it.  I would change if the listing were expensive enough and I was convinced it would net the seller much more money and sell the home quicker.

Tori Toth can help you with this.  She has a course for helping sellers decide on staging.

Susan Emo gave you a great answer.  During the listing presentation if I felt the property would need to be proessionally staged I would bring it up them.  If they are not willing to follow my advise they probably are not that motivated.

Perhaps showing them until they understand may help. No Convincing

Answer the question 'Why' the house needs staged.

The wrong answer is 'Data shows the house sells faster and for more."

If you don't know the 'Why' don't try to convince the owner.

A few examples:

1. Too many flooring types seen from front door

2. Obstructions blocking the money view

3. Poor spacial placement creating discomfort  in the buyer that they can not explain.

We have all been in houses where if just felt right. That is the harmony good staging creates.

If you don't know the why, don't create resentment by convincing the owner to do something that makes no sense to them..

Have you looked at HouseTie.com by Angela & Stephen Hardiman / HouseTie.com ??

There are some posts on active rain.

Good morning Nichol,

I will not try to convince my seller that their house needs staging. But I will recommend to stage and that will be up to them. I do not have any data for my area supporting the reasoning. I did show a home that was staged for pictures and when I arrive to show, the home was vacant.