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The Heart Behind the Clutter

As a professional Home Stager, we are often times faced with the undaunting challenge of trying to make something beautiful out of something chaotic and may at times wonder...how could things have gotten so out of control??

I have seen many homes that have had MAJOR challenges and wondered how could people live like this? So I started to ask certain questions that would give me insight into this clients background or life situation. What I have found is much heartache and pain behind the clutter. In the past two weeks I have been faced with 3 of these situations

The first home I was called into stage was a smaller home that was being listed that weekend so this was a rush job. When I entered the property I found clothing and laundry and items scattered about the house. After speaking with the realtor I came to find that the client has been battling cancer and they recently fell in the house and a family member was now taking care of them in their home. Well that explained that!!

This person was actually in the middle of their daily routine when their life suddenly changed. It is hard to go into a place like this and realize that this persons dreams and hopes can be taken away so quickly. I staged the property on Thursday and by Saturday they got 3 offers and SOLD FOR FULL PRICE!!

The next house I saw was definitely in need of major renovations before we can even think of putting furniture in the home. I began to ask the client certain questions and came to find out that her spouse had recently passed away. This was not an older couple!! Her eyes began to well with tears as she explained how they thought they would have all this time in early retirement to enjoy their life. They always worked long hours and dreamed of the day they could travel together. Then she said...Life had other plans.

I see this time and time again....ugly divorces, deaths, financial problems. These things can be so crippling to an individual that they can LET THEIR HOUSE GO!! Before we sit and judge or complain, let us remember that our first priority is to HELP, REALLY HELP this seller sell their home.

As professional Home Stagers, we have been trained to make the best out of bad situations. Okay, so you have ugly green tile in the bath...match the paint color, add some decorative accessories and curtains and show the new buyer how they can live in this space until they can afford to replace it.

Before you look at the clutter...LOOK AT THE HEART BEHIND IT!!

Happy Staging Phyllis Pafumi ReStyled to Sell Home Staging

Posted by Phyllis Pafumi-ReStyled to Sell Staging Homes NJ on 07/26/2007 10:49 AM

Comments (19)

staging helps sellers, home staging works, home staging expert

Originally posted at: Phyllis's Blog: The Heart Behind the Clutter

Post is included in group: Stage It Forward...
Post is included in group: CENTRAL JERSEY (NJ) REAL ESTATE STAGING

19 Comments on The Heart Behind the Clutter

JUL

2007

Phyllis you speak the truth. Every home has a story! I can't tell you how many times I did a consult when the realtor or seller would say "Let me tell you what's going on here."

We are there to help through the good, bad and ugly. And in the end all the hard work is worth it.

Congrat's on the 3 offer's and selling for full price! You go girl!

Phyllis, you truly have a big heart! I think we all must! I know I'm a crier - I would have been crying at each of the houses

I can't tell you how many homes I stage that are in a divorce or death situation. There are tears every time. That's where the compassion comes in for stagers. If we didn't have compassion, empathy and a true concern for making clients' lives better, we wouldn't be in this profession. I just saw a show on TLC called, "Help, I'm a horder!" It gave great insight into why people with excessive clutter live that way - they have deep-seated emotional issues they are dealing with. They only change with professional help from a therapist and a professional organizer - but it does take time. Since I know that many people are not just messy or lazy, I have to offer suggestions in the most gentle way possible, acknowledging that they may not be able to complete the decluttering process.

Every part of the real estate transaction seems always redolent with emotion. One of the many reasons realtors need stagers is because we act in the best interests of the house itself in a situation where no-one else does, or even can, as you pointed out so well. I'm so glad for them that the house sold well. I've been hearing that NJ is experiencing serious stagnation everywhere but on the Midtown Direct train line, where we're still getting multiple offers, all over asking, opening weekend.

Hi Phyllis -- this is so true. I think I will always remember your title -- the heart behind the clutter -- such a positive way to start the process! Thx!

Phyllis, You have such compassion. You remind me of Mary the sister of Martha. I also cried recently with a client as we moved the ashes of his wife from the bedroom of his home. But, your main point about remembering that some things we come across in others homes are the result of tragedy not laziness or ineptitude is so very important. Thanks for saying what needed to be said.

Thank you for reminding us we need to have compassion. I showed a house this spring that looked as if whoever lived there had just walked out. (later I found out they had). My feedback to the listing agent was to clean it up so it didn't look so sad. The next time I was there it was much better with all the family photos gone and the clutter in the closets removed but still needed staged because it just looked "tired".

Phyllis - So true I hear so many sad stories.

Phyllis,

I believe that you were 'called' into this career because of your compassion and caring. I know that you are very spiritual and that carries over into the way that you work and conduct your business.

Good for you (and the seller) that you staged the house to sell so quickly! This seems to be the 'norm' for you lately as you have really evolved into a very successful Home Stager!

Congrats!

VAL

What a great post!! Isn't wonderful to love what you do and have the gratitude from the people you help???? Most of the sellers I have worked with are very emotional about the sale of their home, even as they are excited about a new home.

Here's to You for being an example to those of us in the the staging industry. May we always display compassion and empathy for those who need our help.

Stacy

stageandselalbystacyllc.net

Ohh, the reasons many people have to sell homes....sometimes we forget...

Indeed, we are here to HELP people. Thanks for the reminder.

-Susie

I say AMEN to this blog.

JUL

2007

This is a great post. This is one of the things I actually look forward to in the home staging business. As home stagers, we are put in a position where we can have a positive impact on people's less than positive lives. It seems that you do a great job of that. Keep up the great work!

Phyllis, beautiful post. I think sometimes people don't see behind the clutter but there are often reasons it has become that way and we need to be compassionate and understanding, not judgemental which is why I posted about the home I recently came across. I'm glad they found you to help them through it!

Thank you for sharing this perspective...moving is tramatic, even in the best of circumstances. I don't think you can succeed in this biz for long without a big heart. It's all about people, not houses.

Phyllis - thank-you for reminding us that there is always a story....... It is possible that each and every one of us has either been in a similar situation or could possibly be in a similar situation as our clients so stepping back and asking those pertinent questions is a great idea. You have compassion and heart and are well suited to your chosen career. Thank-you for your post.

Oh Phyllis - you are so sweet and right. Every home has a story even the dirty lazy homeowners - depression, mental health issues, drug abuse. Staging is a ministry situation for me - everything is really and my work is no different.

Phyllis that is a wonderufl sentiment! I am happy they still saw the importance in hiring you for the work. Sometimes people in those situations become paralyzed, unable to take a positive step forward!

Phyllis, you have such a warm heart and caring disposition. I often wonder what the stories are behind the homes we stage, but I never ask. Sometimes clients will volunteer information and it makes me so greatful that I have such a wonderful life. Thanks for posting and reinforcing that staging is a lot more than just the paycheck. Betty

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