In a market where financial motivation is canceled out by financial apprehension, the state of each house for sale becomes even more important to getting a deal done.
Buyers are still looking for "perfection, with comfort," said John B. Badalamenti, an associate broker at Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors in Wayne.
"As a result of the staging craze, buyers have become a bit spoiled," Badalamenti said. "Homes are almost being put on the market as museum pieces. You can bounce a dime off a bed."
Said Carol Sabatelli, an agent with Weichert Realtors in Media: "Right now, you need to pull every trick out of your hat in order to even get a showing."
Staging has become big business and is often recommended for hard-to-sell houses and potentially easy ones alike.
"It is rare to find a home that does not need some suggestions for showing," said Diane Williams, an agent with Weichert Realtors in Spring House. "In fact, I find that sellers ask about it because they are familiar with the TV shows or articles on staging."
When she goes to a listing appointment, Williams - who has a real estate designation qualifying her as an expert in staging - can quickly tell whether the house needs tweaking or major changes. If only minor touches are required, she gives the homeowners "suggestions to make the house more showable."
And, of course, it should be "Q-tip clean," as Williams' staging course recommended.
After-showing feedback is important, too, even though many sellers do not want to hear buyers' opinions.
"Gone are the days when buyers were willing to settle for anything," said Cheryl Miller, of Long & Foster Real Estate in Blue Bell.
"The Wizard of Oz has had the curtain pulled back."
