Questions to ask when hiring a home stager

Why the Right Home Stager Matters

When you put your home on the market, first impressions can be the difference between an offer and a pass. A thoughtfully staged home helps buyers picture themselves living there, creates emotional connection, and often results in higher selling prices. But not all staging services are the same.

The right home stager doesn’t just bring in furniture and accessories—they bring expertise, market knowledge, and a keen eye for design. They know how to balance style with function, appeal to a broad range of buyers, and highlight the home’s best features while downplaying any drawbacks.

At Hevenle Staging & Design, we believe that choosing a home stager is just as important as choosing a realtor. The right partnership transforms your home from simply “for sale” to truly irresistible. And finding that partner starts with asking the right questions.

Questions That Reveal the Best Fit for Your Home

How Long Have You Been in the Home Staging Business?

Experience counts in home staging. A seasoned stager has worked in multiple markets, staged a variety of home styles, and navigated everything from small condos to sprawling estates. They’ve encountered challenges—and learned exactly how to overcome them.

Ask about the number of homes they’ve staged, the types of properties they’ve worked on, and whether they’ve staged homes similar to yours. This will give you a sense of whether they understand the nuances of your market and target buyer.

At Hevenle, we’ve staged over 400 properties since 2018, each one approached with fresh creativity and a proven strategy. Our experience means we know how to design spaces that resonate with buyers while keeping your home’s unique personality intact.

What Is Your Staging Process?

A strong staging process ensures that every detail is considered, from the flow of each room to the emotional impact of the first showing. Some stagers may only work in person, while others can begin with a consultation using photos or videos of the home.

Understanding their process will help you know what to expect. Do they visit the property before the staging day? How do they determine what furniture or décor to use? Do they offer guidance on decluttering or making repairs before staging begins?

Our process at Hevenle is designed to make life easier for both homeowners and realtors. While you focus on packing and preparing for your move, we handle everything from previewing the property to delivering and arranging every piece. We can even begin planning from past listing photos, saving you valuable time.

What Is Included in Your Staging Services?

Not all staging services are created equal. Some stagers provide a consultation and leave the execution to you. Others offer full-service solutions, handling everything from furniture rental to final styling touches.

Ask for a clear breakdown of what’s included so there are no surprises. Do they provide the furniture, rugs, art, and décor? Will they also arrange accessories, greenery, and lighting to complete the look?

At Hevenle, we specialize in staging vacant homes in the Austin area and designing and furnishing short-term rentals nationwide. We provide everything from the anchor pieces to the finishing details, so your property feels complete and market-ready from the moment we leave.

Do You Have a Team?

Home staging is a collaborative effort. Large properties or fast turnarounds often require multiple hands and diverse skill sets. A solo stager may have talent, but without support, they might struggle to meet tight timelines or handle complex installations.

Ask whether they have a dedicated team and what roles those team members play. A professional moving crew, experienced designers, and an organized admin team can make the staging process smooth and stress-free.

At Hevenle, we have a dedicated group of professionals who each bring their own expertise to the process. From logistics to layout, our team ensures that every project benefits from collective creativity and precision.

Can You Share Portfolio Examples?

A portfolio is your best preview of what a stager can deliver. Look for variety—can they create both sleek modern spaces and cozy, traditional homes? Pay attention to how they use scale, color, and texture, and whether their work feels both stylish and livable.

Ask to see before-and-after photos to understand their ability to transform a space. A strong stager should be excited to share their work and confident in the results they’ve achieved.

We’re always eager to share our portfolio at Hevenle. It’s a reflection of the care, creativity, and strategy we bring to each home. Whether you prefer a light, airy aesthetic or a warm, layered look, we’ll show you how we’ve brought those visions to life for other clients.

How Do You Establish a Staging Budget?

Pricing transparency builds trust. Your stager should be able to explain exactly what influences the cost of your project and how the budget will be allocated. Be cautious of estimates that seem unusually low—these can sometimes lead to cut corners or hidden costs.

Ask whether their pricing is fixed or if it varies based on property size, furniture needs, and project complexity. A thoughtful budget should reflect both your home’s needs and your goals for the sale.

At Hevenle, we believe in clarity from the start. Our pricing is available upfront when you book a service, so you can make an informed decision without guesswork.

How Long Will the Staging Take?

The timeline for staging depends on factors like the size of the home, ease of access, and how much furniture needs to be installed. Some properties can be staged in just a few hours, while others require a full day or more.

Ask for an estimated timeline so you can plan accordingly, especially if you have professional photography or open houses scheduled soon after.

At Hevenle, most of our staging projects are completed within two to four hours. Larger properties or those with complex layouts may take longer, but we always work efficiently while maintaining attention to detail.

Choosing with Confidence

Hiring a home stager is an investment in your property’s success. The right professional will not only make your home look beautiful but will also create an environment that speaks directly to your ideal buyer.

When interviewing stagers, take the time to ask about their experience, process, services, team, and past work. Review their portfolio closely and request references from previous clients to ensure they deliver on their promises.

At Hevenle Staging & Design, our goal is to take the stress out of selling by managing every detail of the staging process for you. With our expertise, collaborative team, and proven results, we help you present your home in its best possible light—so you can sell quickly, confidently, and for the price you deserve.