Real estate question

[zubeneschamali]

Hey, people out there who have sold a house and/or know something about how realtors work:

If a realtor is selling a house and the occupants have already moved out, and she decides that it would be better if there was some furniture in the house so potential buyers can envision the space better, and she hires someone to move in some spare furniture that she keeps for this type of thing, is it reasonable for her to charge the people who own and are selling the house for the cost of the furniture moving? Or is it a cost that she should absorb since she's getting a percentage of what the house sells for in the end and she's supposed to be earning that money by making the house more sell-able?

Comments

[kasman.livejournal.com]

That's an upfront expense. I believe in this country the vendor has to pay.

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

It's probably going to turn out to be that way here, too. :(

[deirdre-c.livejournal.com]

My BFF is a realtor. I can check with her tomorrow for advice.

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

Thanks, bb!

[deirdre-c.livejournal.com]

Boo. My buddy told me the same as you've already heard. "Staging" like this (setting up furniture in an empty home) is something you would have to pay for.

How long have you already been on the market? Has your realtor gotten some feedback from prospective buyers that makes her think that this is something necessary, or is she just throwing any old technique out there?

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's what I figured. Thanks for asking, though. :)

She's gotten some feedback that makes this a good idea, but I think she got that feedback a while ago and should have acted on it sooner. :(

[reggie11.livejournal.com]

The cost would need to be borne by the seller not the buyer. They would have needed to agree to the furniture being left on the premises as that isn't a decision that the realtor can make alone - they can only suggest it. The buyer is in no way responsible for the cost but I imagine it would be incorporated into the final price.

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

Whoops, sorry I wasn't clear...the furniture isn't staying, it's just there until the house sells, to make it look more attractive. I know the seller wouldn't have to pay for it to be moved in and out, but I'm wondering if the buyer would have to pay rather than the realtor, when it's the realtor's idea.

[reggie11.livejournal.com]

No, it's definitely not the responsibility of the buyer to pay for those costs - the cost is borne by the seller. A friend of mine is an interior decorator and is often hired by realtors to bring in furniture to help a sale and it's always paid for by the seller. It's done more than you'd think. Hope that helps :)

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

Yes, it does help! Thanks. :)

[harrigan.livejournal.com]

My understanding is that it is something the seller would pay for, not out of the realtor's commission. Of course, it wouldn't be done unless the seller agrees to it. But just like freshening up paint or landscaping, anything needed to make the house appear more desirable are things the seller pays for. The commission just covers standard work - listing the house, managing the viewings, being the intermediary on negotiations (with foolproof legal contracts) and being present/assisting with closing. They wouldn't do any more for you than they would for any other client.

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

Ah, okay, the comparison to paint or landscaping makes sense. Thanks!