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FAQ for Real Estate Agents
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Occupied-home staging and resale-smart color guidance for Chicago and the North Shore. My approach is practical and budget-aware, using what homeowners already own to create stronger first impressions, better listing photos, and smoother prep.

PRE-LISTING CONSULTATION
(Questions about what it is, timing, ROI, what’s included)​

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What kind of staging do you offer?
I specialize in occupied-home staging: editing, layout, and styling using what the homeowner already owns. It’s a photo-ready approach designed to elevate the listing quickly without full vacant staging or bringing in a truck of inventory.

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Is staging worth it in a seller’s market?
Yes, because listing photos are the first showing. Even when homes sell quickly, presentation impacts perceived value, urgency, and how smoothly the sale goes. The goal is to make the home most marketable from day one.

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How does this process support ROI and keep seller expenses under control?
I prioritize the highest-impact, lowest-cost improvements first. Most results come from editing, rearranging, and refining what’s already there, so sellers don’t overspend on low-ROI projects.

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What makes the recommendations “science-informed” (buyer psychology) rather than guesswork?
My recommendations are informed by published research in neuromarketing and buyer psychology, including how people visually process spaces. I focus on visual flow, focal points, and color cues so each recommendation supports stronger photos and a calmer, more compelling first impression.

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What does the Pre-Listing Consultation include?

A hands-on walk-through that ends with a ranked Top 10 priority plan: what to do first, what matters most for photos and showings, and what isn’t worth doing. It’s practical, budget-aware, and designed to reduce overwhelm. Before the appointment, sellers receive a Client Care Package by email with general room-by-room guidance and simple prep checklists so they know how to get ready and what to expect from the consultation.

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How long does a Pre-Listing Consultation take?
Most consultations run about 2 hours; larger homes may take closer to 2.5 hours.

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Do you offer paint color support for listings?

Yes. I often recommend a few strategic, resale-smart colors during a Pre-Listing Consultation. If more than a couple of selections or whole-home coordination is needed, a dedicated Paint Consultation is the best fit so we have the time to get it right.

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PHOTO DAY POLISH
(What it is, when to book it, what happens if prep isn’t done)

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What is Photo Day Polish?
Photo Day Polish is the final, camera-focused sweep after the Pre-Listing priorities are complete (or mostly complete). It’s the last layer of polish that makes the photos feel cohesive and compelling. It’s best scheduled right before the photographer arrives, so everything is fresh and photo-ready. When the photographer is on site, I can collaborate on angle suggestions so the strongest features of each room come through in the final images.

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Can Photo Day Polish be booked without a Pre-Listing Consultation?
Photo Day Polish is designed as an add-on after Pre-Listing so the main prep work is already done. If key priorities aren’t complete, the visit can shift to Pre-Listing Support so we can tackle remaining items first.

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PARTNERING+LOGISTICS
(Serving area, working with sellers, scheduling, closing gift)

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​​​How does this strengthen an agent's listing presentation to sellers?
Including an occupied-home staging and color partner in the listing plan shows sellers a clear, guided prep plan, not just marketing. It gives them a step-by-step path to photo-ready results and reassures them they won’t have to figure it out alone. That more supported prep experience can help an agent stand out when sellers are comparing options and feel confident moving forward.

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​What areas do you serve?

Chicago and the North Shore (Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glenview, Park Ridge), plus nearby suburbs depending on timing and scope.

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What services work well as closing gifts for buyers?

Both Paint Consultations and Styled for Living sessions make practical closing gifts that help clients feel at home fast. Ask me about gift certificate options.

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Ready to add a little more polish to your listing prep?

Elevated, approachable spaces—starting with what you already own.

Whether you're listing, moving in, or refreshing your home, I’m here to help you with purpose, polish, and a plan.
info@katfosterinteriors.com | 773-344-6741

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Kat Foster Interiors is based in Evanston, IL and serves surrounding areas including Wilmette, Skokie, and Chicago’s North side 

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© 2025 Kat Foster Interiors, LLC. All rights reserved.

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