Stage Well guide

How home staging works

A step-by-step guide for New Zealand home sellers, from first enquiry to settlement day.

Step 1 of 7

Make an enquiry

Tell a stager about your home: the rooms you'd like staged, your timing and where you are. You or your agent can make the request.

TipYou don't have to stage every room. Partial staging of the living area, dining or kitchen, and main bedroom keeps costs down.

Step 2 of 7

You receive a quote

Some stagers will provide estimates or even final quotes without needing to see the property first, if you've given them enough details.

Others prefer to do a site visit first, and firm up the quote from there.

Step 3 of 7

Confirm your booking

When you're happy to proceed and have a fair idea of your timeline, remember to confirm with the stager. Many stagers book out as dates get closer, especially the best ones.

If your dates slip, most stagers can accommodate changes, but it's less likely if you haven't actually booked.

Step 4 of 7

Payment

Most stagers require full payment before install day, and some require a deposit at booking to secure your date.

Payment terms should be spelled out on your quote, so you know what to expect. These terms should also include details like insurance cover, cancellation, and if you need the staging left in for longer.

Step 5 of 7

Install day

The stager and their team will stage the rooms you've agreed. Make sure the house is cleaned, trades are finished and you're not home.

The stager needs clear access to rooms, without safety hazards, for bringing in heavy items.

TipDon't book photos for the morning of the staging.

Step 6 of 7

Your hire term starts

Your initial staging hire term starts and typically runs for 4⁠–⁠6 weeks.

This is when your photos get taken, your marketing happens and your open homes are held.

Step 7 of 7

All done

When you sell and your contract goes unconditional, let the stager know.

This is important so you don't keep getting charged for extensions, and the property doesn't settle with someone else's furniture in place.

Find a vetted NZ stager

stagewell.nz

Guidance, checklists and trusted home stagers across New Zealand.