IAP Photog Molly Manthey talks Occupied Staging

To help launch our new Occupied Staging pilot program, we chatted with IAP Photographer Molly Manthey, our certified Occupied Stager serving Pierce, Thurston, and East Mason counties!

What got you interested in Occupied Staging?  

I’ve been a real estate photographer for over 8 years and I believe in the power of great photos to get a home sold. While I enjoy being a real estate photographer, I realize a lot of work happens before I show up and I wanted to be a part of the process. Most home owners simply can’t vacate their home to list it.  They get easily overwhelmed with the process of making their home “show ready.” During an occupied consultation, I see their home with the fresh eyes of a photographer and the knowledge of an Occupied Staging consultant. I know what it takes to get a home ready for the market!

Tell us a little about what the certification entails.

I have attended and completed the requirements for certification from Bobbie McGraff, owner of Successful Staging, who has staged over 8000 homes. This certification is a market-research based Occupied Staging certification course, which provides knowledge and experience of what it takes to help my clients best prepare a home to be listed for sale.

What’s the difference between an Occupied Staging Consultant and an Interior Designer?

In general, an interior designer is involved in making a home more fitting for the owners. An occupied stager helps a home marketable, so it can sell.

And lastly, are you enjoying this new aspect of real estate photography & marketing?

I am enjoying being an Occupied Staging consultant! The homeowners have been a joy to work with and I like working closely with real estate agents to help them get homes on the market quicker and with success).

Molly’s top 3 reasons to consider occupied home staging:

1. The home will be occupied until it sells.

2. Similar homes in the neighborhood are for sale, and you want your listing to stand out in the crowd.

3. You want to maximize the perceived value of the home. Occupied staging suggests possibility to prospective buyers!